Do’s and Don’ts of Holiday
Blues
University of Maryland
Medical System
The DO's of
managing holiday blues:
Do follow the three basics for
good health:
...eat right.
...get plenty of rest.
...exercise regularly.
Do set realistic goals:
...organize your time.
...make lists.
...prioritize.
...make a budget and follow it.
Do let go of the past and
create new or different ways to celebrate.
Do allow yourself to feel sad,
lonely or melancholy -- these are normal feelings, particularly at holiday
times.
Do something for someone else.
Do enjoy activities that are
free.
Do spend time with people who
care about you.
Do spend time with new people
or a different set of friends or family.
Do contact someone with whom
you have lost touch.
Do give yourself a break --
plan to prepare (or buy) one special meal, purchase one special gift, and take
in one special event. The rest can be ordinary, but will seem special because
of the time of year and the people you're with.
Do treat yourself as a special
holiday guest.
The DON'Ts of
managing holiday blues:
Don't drink too much alcohol.
Don't overindulge in holiday
foods, especially those that are high in sugar and fat.
Don't have unrealistic
expectations of yourself or others.
Don't dwell on the past.
Don't focus on what you don't
have.
Don't spend money you don't have.