THE HOLIDAY BLUES

BY ISHAN VAISH – With its bright lights and comforting smells, the holiday season is almost everyone’s favorite part of the year. In theory, It is a chance for people to unwind with their loved ones. However, increasing numbers of people report associating stress and anxiety with the winter holiday. What was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year has become a nightmare for many.

It is easy to get caught up with holiday festivities. This often requires forsaking usual schedules. While most do not realize they are going to bed later and getting up earlier, this sudden, prolonged change in sleep cycles has been directly associated with fatigue and tension. Moreover, many people couple irregular sleeping habits with unusual eating patterns. The holiday season would not be the holiday season without its big meals and carb-loaded snack party platters. However, going from eating regular sized meals to easting significantly larger ones has been shown to throw people out of balance and induce feelings of uneasiness and anxiety. To make matters worse, alcohol is a staple throughout the holiday season and is found in many traditional recipes. Combined with a lack of sleep and large meals, excessive alcohol consumption is the final straw that tips many people’s mental health over the edge and into a downward spiral.

While unhealthy practices contribute significantly to this seasonal deterioration of people’s mental health, the increasing consumeristic nature of the holidays also plays a large role. The holidays inherently place a large financial strain on many . In addition to seasonal expenditures like heating, people have to spend money on gifts, food, and decorations. However, recent emphasis on sales like Black Friday has further heightened the association between the holiday season and spending money. New studies even find that people’s expectations for the holiday season have increased. The race to meeting people’s demands leaves many with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. When mixed with bad health practices, this monetary pressure can not only ruin people’s moods but also wreck their mental health.

 

To avoid these problems, people do not need to resort to becoming the Grinch. It is still possible to enjoy the holiday season, just in reason. Psychologists stress on the importance of maintaining a routine. While they acknowledge it may be hard to go to bed at the same time or avoid eating heavy meals, they encourage limiting such activities to only a few times a week. They also strongly encourage people to keep track of their alcohol consumption. Along with healthier lifestyle choice, psychologists emphasize the importance of keeping realistic expectations for the holidays. There is no way they can be perfect, and they highlight the value of remaining calm and collected throughout the season. Psychologists recommend people to take time out for themselves. While family is a large part of the holidays, people also need to spend time with themselves. The winter holidays are usually the first break people get after Labor Day, making it imperative to unwind alone, even if its only for a few hours.

Mental health is an important part of a person’s well-being. In the rush of the holidays, it might seem easy to forget about it. However, if people really wish to enjoy the holidays, it is vital they keep track on how they are feeling and take simple steps to prevent unwanted stress and anxiety. While the holidays might not always feel like a winter wonderland, by making the right choices and checking up on themselves, people can avoid the holiday blues.