From: The Emotional Calendar
Contrary to what the popular press would have us believe, not everybody gets the holiday blues. Some of us actually love this time of year (including, pretty much, me) and look forward to late December with an emotion approaching glee. Most of us, as children, loved the season. Think back to when you were little... Do you remember what it was like for you then? Probably not at all what it is like for you now. As grown-ups, we become responsible and have to carry on (often so our kids can enjoy themselves), shouldering more and more chores and getting involved in more and more activities. This is one of the main reasons that this time of year can be so terribly burdensome to so many people.
The relative lack of sunlight doesn't help matters. For many people, there is a direct correlation between the decrease in sunshine and the increase in depressed moods. But even those who don't suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) still feel the effects of the wan light and short days. We can feel down, dispirited, fatigued, and irritable. We're less able to tolerate frustration. So, whatever your feelings about the holidays, this is the time of year when it's essential to practice determination and be as strong as you can be.
How to do that? Take very good care of your precious self!
One very important component of taking care of yourself is attitude. If you're inclined to gloominess or increased irritation at holiday time, a great way to brighten up is to identify a role model, a person who has a positive outlook at this time of year, and emulate him or her. But here's the trick to it: don't settle for a model who is only slightly less depressed than you are. And don't over-reach - you don't need to be the shiniest bulb on the tree. Just look for someone who seems to be navigating the season with greater equanimity than you are and with a higher enjoyment quotient. Think about it. Observe. Pick someone. Start by forcing yourself to emulate just one or two of that person's behaviors or characteristics. See how it goes. Stick to the plan. If you complete your chores and manage your responsibilities with a little more style and grace, pick another behavior to incorporate into your routine. Or choose another role model who is just a little higher up the scale of seasonal delight.
The point is that you should not try to ignore or minimize the difficulties of the holiday period. Remember what you're facing: dealing with the darkness and the winter solstice, sustaining hopefulness and trying to avoid depression, managing with all the bustle at the end of the year, and maintaining your efforts to wrap up the year well, in an organized way and with as little disarray as possible. Try to figure out - as much in advance as you can - what exactly all this means for you and what it will entail. Develop a plan and stick to it. The winter will get easier and the new year is, after all, just around the corner. Carry on and try to show some winter determination and style! You may not feel the way you did when you were a kid again, but maybe a little closer.
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