Two winters ago, the Mayo Clinic released a list of ways to stop stress and depression during the holidays. We’ve posted, summarized, and added a little to the list below. To see the full article from the Mayo Clinic, click here.

As the Mayo Clinic article says, “The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few.” Use these ten tips to try and prevent holiday stress and depression.

Stop Holiday Stress and Depression

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If you have recently lost a loved one or are not able to spend time with friends and relatives, it is normal to feel sadness and grief.  Take time to cry or express your feelings or find a way to honor your loved one.  
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out social and volunteer opportunities through your community or church. For a list of churches in Carroll County, IN – click here. 
3. Be realistic. The holidays don’t have to be perfect or just like last year. Traditions and rituals often change. Choose your favorites to hold onto, and be open to creating new ones.
4. Set aside differences. Try to set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. Be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, set a budget and stick to it. Consider giving homemade gifts or starting a family gift exchange rather than buying for everyone to decrease spending.
6. Plan ahead. Plan your menus and shopping list before going out. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends, and other holiday related activities.
7. Learn to say no. Know your limits and don’t overcommit. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity.
8. Don’t abandon healthy habits. Don’t let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt.  Get plenty of rest and exercise and limit portions for holiday treats. For healthy holiday recipes, click here. 
9. Take a breather. Take some alone time. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. You can even download a Meditation App for your phone. 
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, troubled by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your primary care provider or a mental health professional. The Family Health Clinic offers behavioral health services that might help you manage your feelings of stress and depression.

We at the Family Health Clinic want you to know that during this busy and stressful time, you are not alone. Should you need to speak with one of our Behavioral Health therapists, call (800) 321-5043. We hope that you have a happy, healthy, and stress-free holiday season.