Depression and the Winter Holidays

How common it is for depression to be a part of the winter holidays, especially if there has been a recent loss, such as the death of a loved one or divorce. Living alone can sometimes be difficult during the holidays, as well, especially if one doesn't have an opportunity to be with others on family-oriented holidays, such as Christmas. How can you, if you are feeling down in the dumps, deal with such feelings in a healthy way?





(1) Take time out every day for meditation, prayer, and quiet time for yourself. Herbert Benson, M.D., has helped to demonstrate the helpfulness of eliciting what he calls the relaxation response in decreasing stress, anxiety and depression, among other things. Check out the free information for decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression at Heartmath.





(2) Write down- make a list of- what is bothering you instead of keeping it all inside your body/mind. Journaling has many good effects on the body/mind. Attending a workshop at Looseleaf Hollow is one way to learn how to journal.





(3) Get at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. If you don't like to exercise, you can passively exercise aerobically via the Sun Ancon Chi Machine.





(4) Listen to music that makes you feel lighter in your mood.





(5) Decrease the amount of time you watch the bad news on TV and demoralizing movies, etc.





(6) Watch movies that are uplifting, such as It's a Wonderful Life or Dickens' A Christmas Carol.





(6) Get a massage. There is plenty of scientific evidence coming out that supports how helpful massages can be in decreasing stress, anxiety, and depression.





(7) Every day try to do something special just for yourself because you enjoy it.





(8) Consider getting on an antidepressant if you have been experiencing sleep and appetite problems and a sad mood on an ongoing basis.





(9) Get some full-spectrum lighting if you don't get sufficient sunlight.





(10) Aim to drink 8 eight-ounce cups of filtered water daily. Dehydration can affect mood adversely. Water can also help make it easier for your body to rid itself of toxins. Toxic build up in the body can contribute to mood problems.





(11) Add a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar to your drinking water a couple times daily. It is loaded with nutrients that contribute to a healthier body. It helps to detoxify the body, too.





(12) Aim to eat some clean raw fruits and vegetables every day. Americans tend to eat too few of these. Apples or celery with peanut butter, anyone?





(13) If it is difficult for you to get high quality, well-balanced meals, consider getting a supplement. One that I have found very helpful is Essential Seven. The body needs a sufficient amount of high quality food to create the neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood.

(14) Practice energy techniques on yourself, such as acupressure and jin shin.