What To Do About The Holiday Blues

This time of year can be really polarizing for people.

Some people love the holidays because it reminds them of presents, lights, family time, cookies, cocoa and joy. For others, it reminds them of hardship, poverty, scarcity, struggle, and loneliness.

Because so many people associate the holidays with joy, those who are struggling often find it difficult to ask for help or let others that they're not okay. They don't want to seem like a burden or feel like they're letting others down. So, they suffer in silence.  

If you have a tendency towards the holiday blues, then there's something you need to know. They don't magically go away on their own. You've got to do a little work to help you shift back into a happier state. Here are a few action steps to take when you want to shake the blues. 

1) Identify your triggers.

Your triggers give you an emotional gut punch that can ruin your whole day. Sometimes they sneak up on you when you least expect it. However, if you can identify what causes you anxiety, fear, or pain, then you can practice avoidance until you're able to do some form of therapy to extinguish them. So, if watching happy Hallmark movies reminds you that you didn't have the picture perfect childhood, then turn them off! 

2) Stop shoving your feelings away.

Feelings are meant to be felt and released. When you shove them away or stuff them down, they're going to bubble up eventually. I've had clients who became so good at shoving their feelings away that they created a wall between themselves and others. In time, they had difficulty feeling anything or connecting meaningfully in relationships. In order to break the stigma of being emotional, you first have to believe that every emotion serves a purpose and none of them are bad. Being in touch with your feelings is a strength and not something to be ashamed of or hidden away. 

3) Reach out and ask for help.

If you're determined not to let this holiday season be as dreary as others in the past, then you've got to do something different. There are support groups in your area if you're struggling with loneliness, depression, or addiction. Let your friends and family know what you need and that you need extra support during this time. Also, I'm here for you! I specialize in helping you process and release trauma, fear, depression, and anxiety. Then, I help you you reframe your thinking and experiences into fuel for your success and happiness. If you want to shift your mindset and make lasting changes, then I can show you the way through emotional coaching and release. 

The holiday blues are real, but you don't have to keep repeating them year after year. Click HERE  and let's get started on your new life. 

BONUS CONTENT: Are you overwhelmed with extra stress during the holidays? If so, then check out my new freebie Hassle Free Holidays Guide: 5 Secrets To Stay Emotionally Healthy And Tackle Any Holiday Challenge. You can find it HERE.

Dr. April Darley is a brain-based neuroscience coach who specializes in high-level brain coaching for professionals and leaders who are feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in patterns of stress and self-doubt. Her focus is on helping clients understand and work with the natural functions of their brain to achieve personal growth and professional success.