- Family members who live far away
- Memories of a loved one who has passed away
- Financial problems
- Fatigue and feelings of being overwhelmed by tasks and obligation associated with the holidays
- Idealistic expectations
Some ways to prevent or combat winter blues:
- Get outside as much as possible. SAD sufferers report they benefit more by exposure to early morning light than light later in the day.
- Keep the drapes in your house open and the window shades raised during daylight hours.
- On cloudy days, turn on bright lights.
- Begin holiday preparations well in advance, to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
- Delegate chores like writing greeting cards or baking cookies, to other members of the household.
- Don't drink alcohol if it makes you moody and depressed.
- Don't expect everything - food, decorations, family get-togethers - to be perfect for the holidays.
- Don't spend beyond your budget.
- If keeping old holiday traditions is painful, start new ones.
- If you expect to be alone for the holidays, don't wait to be invited somewhere; invite people over.
Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American
Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com
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