Words of Wisdom from SharLeigh

Resisting the Holiday Hype

The stores and shopping channels are already starting to hype the holidays. There is no room for Bah Humbug! Everyone is getting busy purchasing gifts, sending cards, making lists and getting prepared for parties and potluck dinners. Sounds good, right? Then why can’t you get into the spirit? Why do you begin to feel sad? The holidays are supposed to bring joy and a sense of good cheer, but for some that is not the case. If you are one of them, you are not alone – there are at least one million people that develop the “Holiday Blues” (an actual medical condition) each year. Some of the symptoms are weight loss or gain; difficulty concentrating; lack of interest or enjoyment; increased intake of alcohol or drugs; low energy or fatigue; and possibly suicidal thoughts. What triggers this medical condition? For many it is the demands of gift-giving or the memory of loved ones that have passed. Stress from your job, friends or family can also trigger the condition. During the holidays, no matter how dysfunctional one’s family is, we all want others to be kind and loving. Why do we have such high expectations for the holidays? Because it is what’s being marketed to us via the Internet, radio, television, movies, stores, etc. Everywhere you look are reminders of the fun to come – great expectations! But soon after the holidays, those great expectations often dissolve and a feeling of fatigue, loneliness and disappointment washes over us. What can one do to overcome this condition? The first thing to do is recognize the symptoms. If they are so overwhelming, seek medical help. Take charge of your life; be realistic and keep the holiday expectations to a minimum. Take away those mental pictures of the “Good Old Days” – live in the now! Be active and spend time outdoors; do something different this season – something you want to do. Volunteer your time for others in need and do not listen to the holiday hype. Once you decide how you want to spend the holidays, remember this: it is just a date – if you cannot be with your loved ones on that date, it is all right; there are other days. And most importantly, smile and enjoy the greatest gift of all – LIFE – for each day is a bonus!