I actually love the holidays, specifically, Christmas and the New Year!
However, honestly, I get sad as well.
The purpose to beat the holiday blues is because, all of the build-up, the anticipation, the excitement, and then…. nothing.
I simply forget that the journey is more important than the destination. I tell my athletes not to build up any event over another, but I still do it.
I want it to last. “I only wish the good days could last a little longer.”
That requires patience..
Many of us experience this, I’m not sure. The expectation that we are supposed to feel a certain way adds to the weight. When things do not go according to plan as well, it gets heavier.
Perhaps you are one who struggles during this time of year. if you are, then read on. If not, then share it with someone who does.
Three ways to beat the holiday blues
| Be In The Moment |
| Don’t Isolate |
| Exercise. |
1. Be in the moment-
The “Mindfulness” craze is not about being happy. Or at least it shouldn’t be. That only adds pressure!
It’s about being present.
Getting triggered by your annoying relatives, frustrated because your expectations weren’t met, or things simply went bad, you need to remind yourself to be where your feet are!
Too often, we are thinking about the 25th or the 31st and how it might be, when it still a week away. Beat the holiday blues by being where your feet are!
Remember, this too shall pass and we can wait to be patient.
Don’t time travel ahead.
The reality is that it is NOT here yet. Just because we are sad or bummed out today, does not mean tomorrow will be the same way!
Focus on just this moment and take a deep breath.
2. Don’t Isolate-
When we lose confidence, our natural reaction is to isolate, not hang out or reach out to others.
WE HAVE TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS
If we can’t connect with special loved one’s then try and help out someone else.
Tip someone heavy to help out your own mental game!
Have a plan about who you can spend time with, or talk to, or grab coffee with, or have an exercise session with.
Only mushrooms grow in the dark, and who likes those?
If there aren’t many options for you to connect, then give someone your time. Connecting with others less fortunate is one way to beat the holiday blues! It provides us with instant gratitude.
No one has ever walked away from volunteering saying “Boy they are so lucky, I was here.” We say the opposite! “They helped me out more than I helped them!”
3. Exercise-
I’m an addict. I admit it. I need to exercise!
Only addicts do ultramarathons, right?
We were built to move and it beats the holiday blues when we do so.
Being able to work-out gets my sanity back. Everyone has a little crazy in them. Take the emotion and channel it into your workout, so we don’t take it out on our loved ones.
You don’t have to “Go To The Gym”, you just have to move.
Stay present, focused on others, and take care of your own headspace. Lastly, try and look at your family’s little idiosyncrasies as funny rather than annoying.
It’s the only way…
If it doesn’t go well this holiday season, then rest assured, this too shall pass. This is temporary, no matter how good or bad it is…
The feeling you have right now doesn’t mean you’ll have the same feeling tomorrow, next week, or next year.
Don’t give up! That’s how I think we beat the holiday blues.
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
- Check Out All The Books
- Keynote Speaking On Mental Toughness
- Mental Toughness Podcast as we interview expert athletes and coaches about Mental Strength and their Hinge Moment.
- New Mental Wellness Blog Posts are published weekly.
- Follow on Twitter @drrobbell
- Follow on Instagram @drrobbell