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December 2017
Holiday Health & Wellness:
BEATING THOSE HOLIDAY BLUES HOW TO EXPERIENCE POSITIVE RESULTS DURING THE SEASON By Dr. Tom Miller, Staff Writer The holidays bring joy – and sadness – to many people. On the positive side, the holidays boost health for about a month, making people feel better. The holiday spirit helps people rest, relax, improve sleep patterns, reduce blood pressure, strengthen relationships and live longer. They can even work wonders for the libido. Now, in something of a first, scientific principles have been used to explore the extent to which holidays really do make people feel better. The results of a clinical research project found up to two-thirds of the subjects studied experienced positive results in their lives during the holiday season. What about the other third? Holiday blues can affect individuals in a number of different ways. Those who find themselves suffering back-to-work-blues after their holiday break should take heart: Scientists found the benefits of a holiday break are physical as well as psychological and can last for a month after returning to work. Indeed, the holiday season is a time full of joy, cheer, parties and family gatherings. However, for many people, it is also a time of selfevaluation, loneliness, reflection on past failures and anxiety about an uncertain future. Many factors can cause the holiday blues, including stress, fatigue, unrealistic expectations, overcommercialization, financial constraints and the inability to be with family and friends. The demands of
shopping, parties, family reunions and houseguests also contribute to stress and tension. Individuals who do not become depressed may develop other stress responses, such as headaches, excessive drinking, overeating and difficulty sleeping. Even more individuals experience a post-holiday letdown after New Year’s Day. This can result from disappointments during the preceding weeks compounded with the excess fatigue and stress. Here are some ways to cope with the blues that may come your way during or after the holidays: • Spend time with friends who are supportive and caring. Don’t focus on just one day but on high-quality visits with friends and family. • Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own special way. • Memories of deceased loved ones are often prevalent at this time. Welcome these feelings and memories from a positive perspective. • Set time aside for yourself. It is a time to recharge your batteries. Let others share the responsibility of activities such as hosting and cooking. • Pace yourself through the holidays. Organize your activities and time. Make a list and prioritize the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot accomplish. • Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some time to help others. • Enjoy activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations; going
window shopping without buying; making a snowperson with children; or visiting the Horse Park for the Southern Lights Festival. • Choose moderation in everything you engage in during this season, including food, activities and drinking. Be aware excessive drinking often increases feelings of sadness.
About the Author Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Scientist, Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention, University of Connecticut and Professor, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Department of Gerontology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky.
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