Health Matters: Beating the Holiday Blues

If you’re not looking forward to the holidays, you may not be alone.

Sometimes this time of the year can take a toll on your mind and body.

Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit can be overwhelming.

“With the holiday season of course, there is increased stress, increased responsibilities and expectations that just kind of go along with the holidays in general,” said Megan Spencer, who is a psychologist with Essentia Health.

Enough for you to start feeling physically and mentally exhausted.

“It’s experiencing tension, fatigue, sleeping problems, feeling lonely or isolated,” said Spencer. “General feelings of sadness can be what accompanies the holiday blues.”

Spencer says it’s often caused from taking on too many tasks and setting high expectations.

It’s important to remember this feeling happens to many people.

“New research suggest that 64% of people experience the holiday blues,” Spencer added.

The blues could be sparked by missing your family or having what feels like a never ending to do list.

“The holiday blues is meant to be temporary,” said Spencer. “That is why we distinguish the holiday blues from depression and anxiety. They are mean to be temporary How long temporary is? There is not hard or fast rule.”

If these feeling stay with you into January, it may be helpful to talk to your physician.

“You really just have to take care of yourself and check in with yourself. See how you’re doing and don’t overextend yourself,” said Spencer.