How do I deal with the holiday blues?
Dealing with sadness this time of year is unfortunately common for people around the world. It can stem from lots of things, so it may be hard to identify on a general level. The first step to dealing with anything, as with most things is to identify the issue on a personal level.
Identifying things that could be making you upset this time of year, or any other time at that, is a big helper to managing your feelings. Whether your “blues” come from grief, stress, loneliness or anxiety, there are things that can help.
During this time of year dealing with loneliness and grief are common among Americans.
To manage how you feel about missing your loved ones, it’s a good idea to keep busy. Of course, the holiday season is full of things to busy yourself with: parades, shopping, work and visiting loved ones.
Overall, one of the best things to do to deal with these feelings would be to get out of the house and be around people, even strangers, just to get your mind off of things.
Personally, I love to stop and smell the flowers from time to time, especially when I’m upset. Getting out and even going on a walk is something that’ll get my mind off of things easily. Sometimes it even helps me process what I’m actually feeling in that moment.
I’ve also had some close friends and family deal with grief during this time, as they’ve lost someone close to them who absolutely adored the Christmas season.
Their grief didn’t go unnoticed at first, but slowly became more quiet and silenced as I’ve known them over the years I know their hurt is still there. One thing that I noticed that really helped them was taking in the small things during the season.
Small pick-me-ups mean a lot to those who find themselves not enjoying the holidays, even if it’s just a small walk. Of course, over time grief and loneliness will find themselves fading from your mind or your friend’s mind in the season.
There will be times when you miss your person more, like their birthday or the holiday season, but it’s also important to remember that they’ll always be with you. Your friends and family will always be there for you when you need them.
Being around people you love during this season is always meaningful, even if someone is missing. Of course it's always hard to keep going when someone special isn't around. The best thing to keep in mind is to keep going, no matter how hard it is. Surround yourself with friends and family and express your feelings about how you feel.
I know it's commonly said that surrounding yourself with friends and family will make things better, but it should get your mind off of things. Plus, if you're missing a family member this season, the chances are that someone else misses them too.
You're not alone in your grief. Express your feelings, find a distraction, dive into holiday festivities, take the time out of your day to appreciate the small things during this season and think of your person.
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Brychelle Brooks, junior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023. She previously served as the Campus Reporter and Opinion Editor. She is currently serving as the Newsletter Editor.
