New Year, New You

Do you get the winter blues? This is your year to leave them behind.

Sometimes it seems like the whole world is celebrating around the holidays, and rejuvenating in the new year. But for a surprising number of people, the holidays and the winter season can mean additional stress and a bad case of the blues.

What are the causes?
They can be varied. This may be the first holiday without a loved one, the anniversary of a sad event, the stress of having too much to do, or even a time of feeling out of tune with the world.

What to do?
First, thank those winter blues. (Yes, thank them!) They may be providing you with a valuable insight about your needs. Second, listen to your feelings. Third, care for your physical health, including letting your doctor know how you’re feeling. Finally, evaluate if you would benefit from emotional or spiritual support from a counselor or minister of your choice.

What’s the cure?

• Don’t try to ignore the season or lie about your feelings.
• Keep things simple—within your healthy physical, emotional and financial limits.
• Treat yourself, or participate in an activity that you truly enjoy.
• Say “No, I won’t be able to do that this year—but thank you for thinking of me” (without a need for further explanations) when invited to participate in more than you can handle.
• Plan ahead. Include meaningful times with others, intervals of solitude, rest and spiritual refreshment, enjoy regular mealtimes and healthy physical exercise (as advised by your physician).
• Include a precious old tradition, embellish it with new dimensions, or start a new tradition.
• If you are grieving a death, choose a simple, meaningful way to honor him/her during the season.
• Talk with someone you trust, pray, enjoy physical exercise, laugh at the ridiculous, reflect quietly, journal, and let tears flow naturally.

For a free physician referral, call 800-642-0101.

If you experience the blues, listen to your feelings, pay attention and make even a simple change. You may soon find a few rays of sunshine brightening up your wintertime blues.