December and the holidays are ranked higher statistically for depression and other emotional moments. Maybe it is because it is the time of year where we shouldn't be alone or because everyone is together. I don't enjoy the holidays because they are the hardest time of the year for me. They just feel incomplete for so many reasons, and many other people can echo this sentiment. So how do we handle these feelings and emotions? We use coping skills to work everything out and get ourselves through it all. Here are __ coping mechanisms to get you through the hard days:
1. Binge watch something on Netflix
It is the perfect time of year to cuddle up under a fluffy blanket and get lost in a show on Netflix. I have recently gotten myself into watching old episodes of Gilmore Girls, and other people (like my roommate) have gotten involved in old episodes of Full House. It helps keep us on track and not sitting around bored helps. PLUS: when you watch shows on Netflix, you don't have to stay awake; nap away.
2. Dive into a book
Whether it is a new book book or an old favorite, spend your break cuddled up with a book (not a Kindle or an iPad; technology causes stress) and lose yourself. Spend hours browsing the shelves at Barnes and Noble if you have to, but make sure you are sitting with paper in your hands thinking about the plot of your book. Just focus on that. It helps so much.
3. Indulge in your hobby
Many of us are far too busy to find time for our hobbies now that we are grown up (I haven't written anything for just myself in months), so take the time to indulge yourself. Sit down and draw or write or paint. Get a little lost in what you're doing.
4. Listen to music without lyrics
If you aren't thinking about song lyrics, it is much easier to lose yourself in the beauty of the notes being played. If you aren't interested in classical music, 2Cellos does great renditions of pop music and instrumentals are just as beautiful.
5. Organize your space
Take time to clean up your space. From getting rid of old clothes to throwing away receipts from three years ago, it isn't hard to find things we no longer use. Declutter your space and find out that this will help.
6. Bake yourself something warm
Making sure that you have something warm to eat or randomly munch on is so great during the holidays. It doesn't have to be dessert, but it should make your stomach feel warmer. It could be chicken and dumplings, chili, chicken alfredo, etc. BONUS: turning on the oven warms the house!!!
Being kind to yourself and your body during the holidays can work wonders for your emotions. Distance yourself from toxic people and situations as much as possible, and everything should help you calm down. Using healthy coping skills gets you very far when you're sad, so strive to keep yourself comfortable.
