Three ways to beat the holiday blues

I sometimes get sad around Christmas and the New Year! 

I get the blues 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.

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 

1. Be in the moment-

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. If we can’t connect with special loved one’s then try and help out someone else. 

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.