For many people, feeling joyous during the holiday season comes easily, but for some, this isn’t always the case. The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas can cause many people to feel sad, stressed or anxious. These feelings can be driven by financial and family pressures. In fact, nearly 90% of adults feel overwhelmed by these stressors this time of year. 

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can try to alleviate the anxiety and stress that come up during the holidays. At Lightfully, our licensed clinical therapists can guide you through coping techniques to help you feel better so you can enjoy this season. 

Let’s explore gentle ways you can recover from the holiday blues so you can experience less stress and more happiness.

5 gentle ways to recover from the holiday blues

If you find yourself feeling sad, lonely or stressed during the holidays, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are small, simple steps you can take to improve your mood. Here are some of our best tips for recovering from the holiday blues. 

1. Get enough sleep.

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep, but unfortunately, 1 in 3 U.S. adults aren’t getting enough. Lack of sleep can cause anyone to feel more irritable. When you don’t feel your best, it can be much more challenging to handle the pressures of the holiday season. Getting at least seven hours can regulate your mood, making it easier to overcome stressful situations. It gives your brain a chance to recover, so you can think more clearly and face holiday pressures with resilience. Creating a relaxing bedtime routine can help you wind down at the end of the evening and get a better night’s rest.

2. Stay active.

Exercise can work wonders to fight the holiday blues. It releases mood-boosting chemicals like endorphins, serotonin and dopamine to help enhance your mood. Physical activity can also help decrease stress and improve sleep quality. Plus, it can give you a much-needed break from thinking about everything you need to do during the holidays. Many people don’t think they have enough time to exercise, especially as the holiday season gets busier. However, a mini workout is better than no physical activity if you’re facing time constraints. Even a 10-minute walk can help enhance your mood and well-being.

3. Set realistic expectations.

During the holiday season, many people feel pressure because they want everything to be perfect, but this isn’t a realistic goal. Setting manageable expectations can help alleviate this stress. You don’t have to give the best gifts or host elaborate parties. The holidays are a great opportunity to focus on what really matters most. Take this time to connect with loved ones, enjoy time off from work, and establish healthy boundaries that protect your time and energy. 

4. Spend time with loved ones.

For some, the holidays can trigger loneliness. Spending time with friends and family can reduce isolation and help you strengthen bonds with your loved ones. It can also decrease stress and foster a sense of purpose and belonging. Be sure to reach out to the people you love to hang out, schedule a video call or even just say hello.

5. Plan for the future.

This season can be so stressful that having a post-holiday activity in mind can relieve anxiety. It’s a great strategy to give yourself something to look forward to. You can plan a short trip or a goal you want to accomplish. If you’re concerned about your finances after holiday spending, don’t worry. You can tailor this activity to fit your budget. Plus, setting a small, realistic plan is often more achievable. 

Lightfully can help with your holiday blues recovery

The holidays can be a fun time of the year, but they can also be stressful. Fortunately, you can apply one or several of the strategies above to combat these emotions. Sometimes a small change, like taking a short walk each day, can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Whether you’re experiencing financial challenges, time constraints or constant pressure to have the perfect holiday, you can alleviate your stress and anxiety. 

If dealing with the holiday blues feels overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Lightfully, our deeply compassionate licensed clinical therapists can help you work through the sadness, stress and pressures you’re facing. We provide evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care, identifying the root causes of your stressors to help you find relief. Lightfully offers four levels of care, so you can find the best treatment for your holiday blues recovery.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.