As magical as the Holidays are, they can be triggering too.
Many people have tricky (exhausting!) family dynamics to maneuver. Or there’s a death or loss that feels especially painful because that someone is no longer here to celebrate. And then, there’s food. All that delicious sugary yumminess—enjoyable in the moment, but very quickly overindulgence becomes bloating, brain fog, and general feelings of blah.
Finally, adding to all of that are shorter days and less sunlight.
No wonder so many people experience sadness, lack of energy, and additional stressors this time of year!
Thankfully, there are ways to make it through. Here are some simple, kind, and gentle ways to help you navigate, and carry yourself to brighter days.
Check Your Expectations
People tend to have really high expectations of themselves this time of year. There’s that belief that we are all supposed to charge into January, full of energy. Smashing those New Year’s resolutions left and right.
If you’re big on resolutions but completely devoid of energy, or if you feel as though you’re miles away from where you think you should be, take a moment to check your expectations.
Life is not a race.
If you’re feeling low or sad, set aside those lofty expectations. They’ll be there when you’re ready.
It is okay to be gentle and go inward when you need to. Maybe you’re able to identify the source of your sadness, maybe not. Either way, give yourself permission to lighten the load of expectations, rest, and tend to yourself first.
Don’t Judge Your Feelings
Feeling blue is a very real part of being human. Just like happiness, sadness is valid too. No amount of money, good looks, youth… no amount of anything can “save” humans from feeling sad.
Really, there are no “bad” emotions. If you feel like crying, it’s okay to cry. If you feel sad, that’s okay too. Do your best to not make yourself MORE uncomfortable by piling self-judgement on top of feeling low.
The human experience is made up of polarities: In order to deeply feel one thing, you have to be able to feel its opposite. When you love a parent or a pet for example, at some point, you will also feel the grief and pain of loss.
But here’s the thing: that pain is a testament to your ability to love; it’s a reflection of how deeply you love. How beautiful, right? How powerful!
Sometimes, the intensity of feelings may become scary, or last longer than two-weeks.
If this is what you’re experiencing, please—reach out. A therapist can help you navigate those choppy waters, and maneuver you back to calmer seas.
Do the Things That Make You Feel Better
A steamy bubble bath, a yoga class, a 3-mile run, journaling, reading, playing with your kids—most people know what makes them feel better. And when you’re deep in the throes of January Blues, it’s more important than ever to do those things.
Of course, when depression is present, motivation is usually nowhere to be found. If you are only able to focus on the activities that require the least amount of effort, such as a book or bath, go for it.
Schedule that massage, go through the Starbucks drive thru. Treat yourself to the activities and things that you enjoy.
If it helps, create a self-care to-do list filled to the brim with low-key activities you know will boost your mood.
Get Outdoors
Get out whenever you can. Take a stroll on your lunch break, and plan a weekend hike with friends or family.
If you can afford it, consider a brief getaway to someplace hot and sunny. Sometimes new surroundings and a shake-up of your routine works wonders in getting out of a rut, and can help reframe your experience.
If not, no worries. Just try to get some outdoors time, and when you’re out experiencing it, make note of how you feel.
Reach Out
Some people prefer to isolate when they’re feeling low, others crave companionship. Wherever you fall within that spectrum, it’s important to reach out from time to time.
If you have a significant other, share how you feel with them. Lean into them for support.
Call your friends—maybe plan a weekend walk together. You may realize you’re not alone; a friend could be experiencing a similar low.
If the feelings persist—if nothing helps and it feels like you’re stuck in this rut—it’s important to reach out to a professional. Often, people wait until their feelings are unbearable before seeking help, and the earlier you seek assistance the easier it typically is to work through your struggle.
If you’re a Northern California resident, we offer counseling in Fair Oaks and Roseville, and would love to help. Give us a call anytime to learn more.
Therapy in Roseville, CA, Fair Oaks, CA, or Online in California:
If you are ready to change for the better, we can help. Our therapists are ready to support you in your journey towards creating a healthy and happy lifestyle. To begin counseling in Roseville, CA area, or counseling in Fair Oaks, please follow these three simple steps:
- 1. Contact our counseling office to get more information about what therapy would be best for you and to schedule a free consultation.
- 2. Make an appointment with one of our highly trained therapists
- 3. Find support and healing in your life!
Services Offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville, CA and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our services include but are not limited to: Couples counseling, counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include, anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, and individual relationship counseling. We also offer online counseling to California residents. Please contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you and your loved ones.