The holiday season can be a source of joy for many but some of us feel worse during this time of year. Family get togethers may never have been a source of replenishment, and the obligation to maintain and increase our contact with difficult family members can exacerbate an anguish we already feel. Add to this the increase in stress that comes from the cold weather, traffic, and crowds, all of which conspire to have us feeling more blah than joy.

Stress accumulates in a compounding manner that has lingering effects. This is why adding regular stress reduction to your routine can be so helpful. However, many of us get swept up in daily pressures and stress reduction drops to the bottom of our priority list. If you are feeling fatigued, irritable or wound up – these are all cues that you need more relaxation in your life. Relaxation is the opposite of stress and you need it every day. Make time for quiet, for play, and to just be.

For those who feel more down in the winter, you will need to add more to your stress reduction routine.

1) Try to get as much natural sunlight as possible. Even a brief walk during lunch can be beneficial.
2) Stand up and stretch and walk around for a few minutes. Any kind of regular physical activity will help. You will find that it is easier to maintain if it is an activity you enjoy.
3) Eat regularly and make sure you are getting protein and carb combinations that help you to sustain energy.

If these ideas improve how you feel, then this may be all you need. However, the blues become more serious if you can’t sleep, are haunted by negative thoughts, feel tired and listless all the time, have trouble concentrating, and feel that your life is hopeless while you are helpless to change it. This is when you know the “blues” have slipped into depression and you need to get professional help. A therapist can help you to identify what might be causing your depression and help you to live a more fulfilling life. You can reach us here or at 514 223 5327.

Whether you have the blahs, the blues, or winter depression, we hope these ideas help you to find your way to a season of joy, rest and renewal.

Written by Shawna Atkins, Ph.D., Psychologist