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Ten Tips for Moving Beyond the Holiday Blues
By Dr. Mawiyah Clayborne, The Bliss
Doctor
The holiday season is a time when many of us “shop ‘til
we drop,” “party the night away,” and stay up all
night wrapping presents, cooking, or entertaining. Heightened stress
and fatique, unrealistic expectations of ourselves and of others,
financial limitations and family tensions challenge our ability to
maintain our inner equanimity.
This period can be tough for many people, especially
for those who are going through life’s challenges such as divorce, major
illness, the passing of a loved one, break ups, financial problems
and so forth. Such circumstances can bring feelings of loneliness,
sadness and anxiety. Even the healthiest individuals can find themselves
getting “blue”.
For those who are susceptible, too much stress precipitates serious
depression and mood disorders. In fact, the National Institute of
Mental Health estimates that about 19 million adults in our country,
mostly women, suffer from depression every year. Mild or temporary
depressive moods usually do not warrant professional help. However,
one should seek professional attention if depressive symptoms persist
for weeks, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms.
The National Institute of Mental Health has compiled a list of depressive
symptoms. Seek medical advice if you experience depressive symptoms
consistently for two or more weeks. Some of those symptoms include:
sad or empty moods, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in
activities, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, insomnia,
loss of appetite, weight gain, restlessness, irritability, persistent
physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment. If you are feeling
suicidal, get help immediately.
Following are 10 tips for overcoming depression.
1. Be kind to yourself. Self criticism is oftentimes unfounded and
does not serve you in moving ahead. You may not be the best cook
in the world, but you may be a super mom.
2. Get more sleep than usual, or at least 7 hours per night. Rest
is the basis of activity.
3. Begin your day with quiet time alone, and take quiet time in
the early evening. Being alone can be just as important as being
with others. Make it a special time to regroup and to recharge your
batteries.
4. Set limits regarding your finances. During the holiday period,
we tend to over extend ourselves financially. So make a budget.
5. Stay in the moment. Let the past go. Life brings changes. Embrace
the change as a platform for better things to come.
6. Volunteer. There are many who are less fortunate than you, no
matter what your circumstances. This is a perfect way to uplift your
spirit and those of others. When you help others, you help yourself.
7. Drink in moderation. Excessive drinking can contribute to an
increase in depression.
8. Eat a healthy diet. What you take into your body, contributes
to your mental state. This is a time of year to eat with discernment.
9. Let others help you. Share responsibilities that can be delegated.
Cooperative activities can promote bonding and a sense of togetherness.
10. Be a friend. Friends attract friends. Let your friends know
that you are there for them.
Direct comments or questions about this article, including requests
for reprint rights, to:
Dr. Mawiyah Clayborne
264 La Cienega Blvd. #651
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Phone: 323-937-8783
Mawiyah@rememberyourbliss.com
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