Best Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues in Dubai and the UAE | ExpatWoman.com
 

Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues, According to a Psychiatrist

Learn how to chase away the holiday blues in the UAE, according to an expert from Mediclinic Welcare Hospital

Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues, According to a Psychiatrist

What to do when the world around you is wrapped in red, green, and gold, but you're feeling blue...

The holidays are a time for celebration, rejoicing, and happiness. For some people, however, it could be a period of loneliness, sadness, anxiety, depression, or painful reflection.

In fact, in a survey done by the American Psychological Association, about 40% of responders reported increased stress levels during the holidays. The main reasons include lack of time, financial constraints, inadequate communication, the pressure of giving gifts, family gatherings, etc.

To help you cope with the merry season, below are some tips that could help in handling, if not completely stopping, the holiday blues.

  1. Forget perfection – There is no perfect holiday and holidays need not be perfect to be special and meaningful.
  2. Have realistic expectations, especially in the Covid situation. Do not compare it with past celebrations or holidays. Let go of the past.
  3. Get organized – Plan well in advance and realistically.
  4. Keep your budget in mind while planning.
  5. Do not compare with others' situations.
  6. Try to get into the festive mood.
  7. Be ready to accept new traditions and new activities. Be more flexible.
  8. Get creative and immersed in doing whatever activity you are doing.
  9. Learn to say “No”. If you are forced to do anything beyond your budget, time, liking etc., politely refuse.
  10. Focus on what matters to you.
  11. Don’t abandon your healthy habits – exercise, sleep, breathing exercise, yoga, etc.
  12. Avoid overeating, limit alcohol.
  13. Don’t isolate yourself, get social.
  14. Get in touch with friends, family, and other loved ones.
  15. Lean on your support system.
  16. Acknowledge your feelings – accept them and try to find a solution. Get help if needed.
  17. Do something for others – put aside a small part of your budget for charity or to help someone in need. The happiness that comes from altruism is of a higher level.
  18. Take care of yourself – get some time for yourself.

How to cope with post-holiday blues or January blues

Tips to Beat the Holiday Blues in Dubai and the UAE

Studies have shown that the abrupt withdrawal of the stress hormone after a major exciting event (perceived as stressful though positive), has a profound effect on our biological and psychological wellbeing.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression occur when the brain tries to come back to routine status while trying to adjust between markedly different experiences.

What can you do?

  1. Before the vacation or holidays, plan for the post-holiday period. It will be easier to think about it now than just after the holidays.
  2. Plan the holidays in such a way that it is relaxed and not cramped with activities.
  3. Plan for transition days – Keep a couple of days to unwind after the holidays and to settle back to routine.
  4. Take care of yourself during the holidays – Quality sleep, balanced diet, exercise, etc. are usually upset during holidays.
  5. Have patience – Blues do not stay forever, they pass. So, wait for it to pass.
  6. Expect to have a down following the holidays. Being prepared lessens the impact.
  7. Do not ignore the down feelings, accept them.
  8. Keep connected with your family and friends, maintain the sense of connection.
  9. Practice mindfulness - be aware of the blues – realise that the mood of loss is really an adjustment to less stimulation.
  10. Plan outdoor activities.
  11. Record and share your memories of the holidays – pictures videos, etc.
  12. Detox from the alcohol and unhealthy food you had during the holidays.
  13. Look forward, not backward – the situation will pass.
  14. Happiness is tied to how you interpret events, not the events per se. Change the way you look at it.

Authored by Dr. Sreekumar Nair

Dr. Sreekumar Nair

Dr. Sreekumar Nair
Specialist Psychiatrist
Mediclinic Welcare Hospital and Mediclinic Al Qusais

Mediclinic Welcare Hospital
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Mediclinic Welcare Hospital
Founded in 1998, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital is a modern, multi-specialty 127 bed medical facility providing attentive, cost-effective, quality care of an international standard. Our specialists are highly qualified and experienced within their particular fields, and all of our staff members are trained to be fully conversant with best customer care practices and quality in the delivery of services.

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