Take Care of Your Mental Health and Beat the Holiday Blues
While the holidays may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” it can also be difficult for many people. Feelings of sadness and high stress can make it dreadful to stay joyful, especially for people with existing mental health conditions. In this blog, we’ll discuss the holiday blues and how you can take care of your mental health. A study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reported that 64% of people with an existing mental illness said the holidays make their condition worse. Fortunately, Dr. Carolyn Cook of Miami Acupuncture and Classical Herbs has more than 25 years of experience as a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture Physician, and Licensed Massage Therapist, who helps people beat the holiday blues with her holistic services.
Signs and Symptoms of Holiday Blues
Holiday blues is characterized by a persistent or recurring feeling of sadness that starts around November or December and then fades shortly after January of the New Year. Although it is not a recognized mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it’s still important to check with your therapist or nearest mental health professional when you feel the following symptoms:
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of pleasure in doing things you used to enjoy
- Concentration issues
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Feeling tense, worried, or anxious
Dr. Cook believes that there are different factors why people might experience holiday blues, including increased stress due to a hectic holiday schedule, excessive eating and alcohol use, financial stress, and loneliness. Ultimately, we tend to set unrealistic and high expectations for the holiday season where we are supposed to feel nonstop joy and holiday cheer. However, we are not wired to feel one constant emotion, so we should lessen the holiday pressure on ourselves.
Miami Herbs: Caring For Your Mental Health
If you’ve been feeling sad or lonely lately, our clinic can be a place for you to destress, relax, and reconnect with your body. With our welcoming and warm approach, many clients have shared they feel right at home. You may choose from our wide range of healing services – acupuncture, traditional herbal medicine, mindfulness exercises, and more – so you can overcome the holiday blues.
Most importantly, you may adopt these healthy coping strategies this December and be better equipped to handle your stress and emotions:
- Limit your alcohol intake: Drink only in moderation and focus on interacting with others than consuming alcoholic drinks.
- Enjoy social connections: It’s best to find people whom you can reach out to for emotional support. If you’re unable to return home in the holidays, spend time with friends, join a volunteer group, or social events on your interests.
- Exercise regularly: Many studies prove that physical activity reduces stress and depression. Begin with just a few minutes of doing light exercises.
- Find a ‘me time’: It’s important that you set aside time for yourself to just relax or unwind. The simple things from reading a book and drinking calming tea to taking a warm bath can help with your holiday blues.
Our services are dedicated to supporting individuals to reach harmony and optimal health through traditional and natural ways of treating pain. If you’re curious to learn more about how we do it, you can contact us at cc@miamiherbs.com or call us at (305) 665-9711. We are open on Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.