Battling Holiday Blues

It’s that time of year again when everyone is filled with cheer and joy. Evenings are filled with holiday music, eggnog, and colorful lights glimmering on streets and homes. But the truth is, not everyone feels this way. For some, the holidays can highlight feelings of loss, loneliness, or financial strain. Many people live paycheck to paycheck, and the pressure to spend an entire month’s income on gifts can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to lighten the load and help you win this year’s holiday battle of the blues:

Support Small Businesses

Amazon is incredibly convenient, and we all love it, but consider doing a portion of your shopping with local vendors or small businesses. Supporting a mom-and-pop shop can help a family afford essentials like dance classes for their child or braces for their son. When you shop small, you’re supporting someone’s dream. Small businesses offer unique, thoughtful gifts that big box stores don’t carry—often with a personal touch that makes all the difference. Plus, you’re helping strengthen your local community.

Create Memories or Homemade Goods

If you’re on a budget but still want to give meaningful gifts, consider giving memories or homemade items. You can save your bank account from holiday stress and enjoy a more relaxed season. For example, host a homemade dinner and game night for your parents. Let them choose the date, and pamper them with an evening of good food and fun. Or gift your significant other a coupon book for massages, home-cooked dinners, cleaning, and even a little fun! For a friend or sibling, offer a night of free babysitting. These are thoughtful, memorable gifts that don’t cost much, if anything at all. You can also make homemade gifts like candles, body scrubs, artwork, or baked goods. The possibilities are endless.

Self-Care

During stressful times, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Maybe skip a night out and instead, listen to some music, read a book, or enjoy a quiet evening at home. Take time to decompress with a bath (or even a bath in wine, if you’re feeling adventurous). Catch up with old friends or family over the phone while you pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a massage, and don’t neglect your mental health—it’s just as important as your physical health. Drink plenty of fluids, and don’t let your nutrition slide. Vitamin D and folate deficiencies can contribute to depression and anxiety, so make sure you’re taking care of your body. A pro tip: Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate that many of us can’t process effectively, so opt for a bioactive or methylated form instead. Remember, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”—you need to care for yourself before you can give to others. Herbal teas like kava, valerian root, lemon balm, and ashwagandha root are great for stress relief, and CBD oil can help manage anxiety and improve sleep.

Volunteer

If you’re still feeling stuck in a funk, volunteering can be a great way to shift your perspective. Helping others in need can remind us of the blessings we have and put our own challenges into context. Consider volunteering at a shelter or donating your time to a local organization. My favorite is the Humane Society—walking dogs and petting cats is not only therapeutic, but the animals are so grateful. Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment that might just be the boost you need.

Get a Hobby

Sometimes life feels stagnant, even when everything seems fine. Try shaking things up by picking up a new hobby. Whether it’s yoga, painting, jogging, martial arts, baking, or even blogging—hobbies provide an outlet for stress and creativity. Life shouldn’t just be about working, eating, and sleeping. Find something that sparks joy in you and adds excitement to your days. You could even plan a solo road trip! You don’t need a co-pilot to enjoy an adventure. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is embrace your own company and explore the world on your terms.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help

There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeing a therapist—honestly, everyone should see a therapist. In a world where we’re taught to smile through struggles and “stay positive,” it’s okay to acknowledge that we’re human and that we feel things. Sometimes friends and family aren’t equipped to help us through our hardest moments. A professional therapist can give you the tools to cope, manage stress, and work through tough emotions. It’s their job, and they aren’t waiting for their turn to speak. If you’re struggling, reach out to the suicide prevention lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You never know what’s around the corner. No matter how dark this chapter feels, the next one could hold some of the best times of your life. Giving up hope takes that possibility away, not just for you, but for the people who love you.