Coping with
the Holiday Humbug!
By Asante Dickson, M.D.
The period of time between Thanksgiving
and New Years is for many of us, the high point of the year. It is
a period marked by travel, family gatherings, socializing with friends,
exchanging gifts, cooking and eating traditional favorites. For a
lucky few, the season also means spending time away from the rigors
of work. For many, however, this period is rife with thoughts of family
and friends not able to be with us due to death, separation or divorce,
and the effects of a faltering economy. It is the absence of family
members that may help to shed light on the now "non-traditional"
family that might exist. This absence, similar to the medically proven
phenomenon of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is the body's
response to decreased hours of daylight and colder temperatures, serves
to exacerbate the feelings of emotional blunting, fatigue and even
insomnia during the holiday season.  For
many parents, the euphoria exhibited by children looking forward
to days off from school, holiday food, and gifts only worsen feelings
of fatigue and loneliness. Some parents who have experienced the
loss of a loved one often struggle to meet the expectations of children
during the holidays.
The holiday season is a time when families gather together in high
concentrations. This can be catastrophic as the culmination of years
of family conflicts or false impression can come to a head at a
dinner table. The realization of family no longer able to participate
in family gatherings can also intensify feelings of abandonment.
The following are some simple tips to keep in mind when considering
battling the stresses of the upcoming holiday season.
1. Accept the fact that perfection in the form of family and available
money often only exists in the ads read and seen on TV. In the real
world, the majority of people most likely struggle with family and
financial challenges. Accept shortcomings in yourself and in others
around you.
2. Focus on your spiritual and mental health. Take time for yourself.
Find time in the day to seclude yourself. Read a favorite book,
skim a magazine, relax in silence or listen to your favorite music.
Try to minimize distractions from work and family to focus inward
if only for a short period of time.
3. Maintain focus on your physical health. We all tend to have an
"it's the holiday so one more piece of pie won't kill me"
attitude during the holiday season. Well, that may be true; but
that attitude in conjunction with exercise avoidance may contribute
to the addition of a few more pounds during the holidays. Overeating
can contribute to otherwise already maximized feelings of stress
and guilt. Try techniques like eating a healthy snack before you
leave for a family gathering. This may help cut down on the urge
to indulge in the plethora of sweet and fatty foods awaiting you.
Don't give up on exercise or physical activities during this time
of the year. Continue your routine to reap the gains that exercise
brings.
4. Maintain focus on your financial health. Don't spend money irresponsibly
or frivolously. Budget funds for the holiday season and stick to
your budget. A personalized, cheerful holiday card or a homemade
gift is often just as meaningful as an expensive purchase. Don't
spend yourself into debt. More often than not, we can, with a little
planning, avoid last minute rushes that support impulse buying and
overspending. Planning fosters self control and serves, not only
to raise one's spirit, but to also keep the lid on one's finances
and blood pressure.
5. Tap into your support structure. Try to surround yourself with
loved ones rather than isolate yourself for the holidays. This is
particularly important in situations where memories of the passing
of loved ones bring feelings of extreme isolation to the surface.
Remember that there is no magic cure for the heartbreak resulting
from the loss of a loved one. Know that it is expected for one to
feel grief and sadness. Be kind to yourself! Acknowledge the way
you feel. There is no written rule as to how you should feel. With
this in mind, seek the company of friends, family, and church family
if you have one. Involve yourself in group activities rather than
remain consistently isolated.
Lastly, if you suffer from extreme feelings
of fatigue and find that you lack interest in things that once interested
you, or either have insomnia or bouts of excessive sleeping and
crying, you may be suffering from clinical depression. Make an appointment
to see your doctor. There are medications available that may assist
you in raising your spirits.
Love and embrace yourself and count the many reasons to be happy,
thankful, and blessed during the holiday season.
(Asante Dickson, M.D. is a contributor
to Island Vibes Magazine and writes about wellness.
For comments, please feel free to contact him at drdickson@islandvibesmag.com.)
 |
| Copyright 2008 © Island Vibes Magazine.
All rights reserved |
|
December
/ January, 2008 Issue
