The holidays can be incredibly stressful, especially for women. We often feel responsible for the gift buying, getting everyone to events and hosting of family dinners. What we really need to remember is to take care of ourselves and our health through it all.
Here are some ways you can do that.
Focus on What is Meaningful: For most of us, under the busyness of preparing meals and gift buying there is a deeper meaning to the holiday. It may be your spiritual beliefs or that the real reason you do so much is to show your love for family and friends. Often, the things you feel you have to do get in the way of your celebrating what is most important. So, get clear on what the holidays truly mean to you and make that your primary focus.
Lower Your Expectations: Nothing has to be perfect. If the people in your life are going to judge you based on the quality of meals or gifts you provide or how you decorate your house, they are not in the right frame of mind. In most cases your loved ones just want to celebrate the holidays with you, not have you be too busy cooking or cleaning to join in the fun.
Make Lists: Studies show that when you put things in a list instead of keeping them in your head, you will feel more relaxed and likely be more effective, too.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: If something goes wrong it will benefit you more to shrug it off or look for the humor in the situation. Maybe it will make a great story some day. When you don’t hold onto things tightly you will feel more relaxed, calm and enjoy the holidays more.
Prioritize Self Care: Taking care of yourself is even more important during the holidays when there is so much to do. Allow time for a bath, massage, or quiet time alone. Give yourself space to relax and recharge so that you can feel your best and truly enjoy your holiday moments.
Continue Your Healthy Habits: While this time of year may be busy and filled with sugary treats, be sure to do what you can to stay healthy. Stay focused on eating foods that are good for you and exercising when you can.
Enjoy the Precious Moments: When you feel responsible for getting things done it is easy to miss the actual celebration. Remember to celebrate the people you love when they gather together. Be present with them. And, enjoy the special moments you all create together. Your presence will be the greatest gift of all.
We wish you all many precious moments and a wonderful holiday season!
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley, CA – (714) 486-1228
We all experience mild depression at times and it often lifts on it’s own. But, when it sticks around and starts impacting your ability to function in life it is time to contact your doctor and ask for help. Depression is more common in women and shows up as:
- Persistent sadness or consistent negative thoughts
- Feeling hopeless, unworthy, pessimistic, guilty or similar feelings
- Isolating yourself
- Loss of appetite or over eating
- Loss of interest in things you normally enjoy
- Insomnia
- Decreased energy, brain fog or fatigue
- Thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm
- Difficulty remembering, concentrating or making decisions
- Feeling restless and irritable
(If you are considering suicide, please call the national suicide prevention line at 800-273-8255)
The good news is that there are things you can do to feel better. Some you can try on your own and others require the help of a professional.
6 Ways to Get Depression Relief
Reach out for social support – Whether it be a professionally run support group or getting together with friends, staying connected socially will keep you engaged and provide some level of support and relief.
Improve your lifestyle and habits – You may want to let go of habits that do not support you in feeling your best and bring in some new ones that do. Exercise, good sleep and a healthy diet can all contribute to your feeling better.
Try stress reduction – Deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and prayer are just a few of the many ways you can practice relaxation and stress relief. Women often describe feeling calmer, more in control and more positive after they do. Find something that works for you and practice it regularly.
Therapy – Depression often responds to several types of therapy, many of them short-term. We can all use a little support sometimes and therapy is commonly covered by medical insurance. Choose a therapist you feel comfortable with and let them guide you into feeling better.
Medication – There are several medications that have proven effective for women experiencing depression. Your doctor will review your medical history, current symptoms and recommend one that feels right for you.
Skip the vices – Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs can all play a part in keeping you depressed. Kicking them out of your life can be good for your mental and overall health.
We encourage you to reach out for help if you feel stuck in depression and it is interfering with your life. There are many paths to healing depression and getting you back to feeling normal again. Even if you can’t see it right now, we are sure that is what you deserve.
Miracle Orchids Medical Center – Fountain Valley CA – (714) 486-1228
