Chapel Office offers pertinent holiday advice

  • Published
  • By Chaplain Carol Yeager
  • 916th Air Refueling Wing
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The holidays are supposed to be a time of good cheer, happiness, joy and meaningful time spent with family and friends. But unfortunately some of us feel more depressed, stressed out, tired and in general just bad during this season. This is commonly called the "Holiday Blues."

There are many reasons people feel this way ranging from biological (seasonal affective disorder and clinical depression) to grief over the loss of loved ones or relationship and financial worries. Even people who do not become depressed can develop stress reactions such as headaches, excessive alcohol use, over-eating and difficulty sleeping. Be aware that even more people respond to the excessive stress and anxiety after the holidays have passed.

The post-holiday let down after January 1st can be the result of emotional disappointments from the holidays themselves or physical reactions from the excessive stress and fatigue this time of year. The good news is that there are some things you can do to help cope with these seasonal blues. Here is a list of suggestions from the chapel office:

· Keep expectations manageable. Don't try to make this holiday "the best one ever". Set some realistic goals for yourself and don't spend too much time and energy preparing for just one day.
· Set reasonable limits on gift buying. Unusual gifts, handmade items and gifts of time can be especially meaningful in today's busy, commercialized world. Be careful and budget your gift buying so that when the bills arrive in January you won't be stressed by your finances.
· Remember that the holiday season doesn't immediately "fix" the things that make you feel sad or lonely. There is room for these feelings during this time of the year too. Allow yourself the freedom to miss loved ones or to feel sad over relationships that haven't turned out the way you'd hoped.
· Focus on others. Volunteer some of your time to help others. Get involved with your faith community or other organizations that reach out to others. When we give to others we often get more in return than we expect! It is an old solution but it really does work.
· Don't drink or eat in excess. Too much alcohol only adds to your depression. Too many fatty foods make you feel sluggish and robs you of energy.
· Try to keep up with your exercise routine; it helps alleviate stress. Even a short walk outside can lift your spirits and give you a brighter outlook on your situation.
· Let go of past expectations. Don't be disappointed if things aren't like they used to be. You don't have to uphold every tradition handed down. We tend to view the past with "rose colored glasses anyhow." Make some new traditions of your own. Look to the future and don't be afraid to celebrate in new ways.
· Take time for yourself. Don't spend all your time providing activities for your family and friends. Be sure to have some "down time" to reflect on the true meaning of the holidays and to recharge your own batteries.
· Be aware that sometimes there are deeper issues going on than just the holiday blues. If you feel depressed for more than two weeks, talk with someone who can help; a doctor or clergy person or other professional.

Have a safe and meaningful holiday season. And remember that your chapel staff is here to serve you in any way we can. Don't hesitate to call us!