Christmas, for many people, represents the most wonderful time of the year, but not for everyone. Indeed, for some, the Christmas holidays are associated with feelings of sadness and anxiety, a phenomenon known as the 'Christmas blues'. According to research conducted by Human Highway for Assosalute, one in three Italians associates negative emotions with the Christmas period, and for one in five (20.4%) the Christmas break is a time of stress, melancholy, anxiety and boredom.
The 'Christmas blues': a widespread phenomenon
The Christmas holidays are not always synonymous with joy for everyone. Many people, in fact, experience the holiday season with negative emotions, ranging from sadness to anxiety, through stress and frustration. These feelings can be caused by various factors, such as social pressure, family expectations or simply the change in daily rhythms. In fact, it is not uncommon for the Christmas break, rather than representing an opportunity for relaxation, to become a source of psychological distress.
Tips for dealing with Christmas blues
To deal with the 'Christmas blues' and transform the holidays into an occasion for personal well-being, Assosalute experts have provided five useful tips. These tips aim to reduce stress, improve mood and promote relaxation during the Christmas period.
Plan your time with balance
One of the first tips to combat the 'Christmas blues' concerns planning your time. Experts suggest creating a list of pleasant activities and alternating them with your Christmas commitments. It is essential to avoid overloading yourself with too many events or expectations. Furthermore, it is important to carve out moments of solitude or relaxation, such as reading a book or taking a walk in nature. The balance between commitments and personal time is the key to experiencing the holidays more peacefully.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Even during the holidays, we must not forget the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, doing physical activity regularly (even a short walk after meals) and making sure you sleep enough (at least 7 hours a night) are fundamental habits for reducing stress and improving your mood. Physical activity, in particular, is an important ally in combating sadness and anxiety, as it stimulates the release of endorphins, which improve psychological well-being.
Accept and share negative emotions
It's normal to feel sad, anxious, or frustrated during the holidays. Experts recommend accepting and embracing these emotions instead of trying to suppress them. To manage anxiety or irritability, you can practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Additionally, writing in a journal or connecting with friends and family via video calls can be helpful in feeling less alone. Participating in local events or volunteer activities can also provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
Limit expectations and practice gratitude
Another important tip is to limit expectations during the holidays. Don't look for 'perfection' in celebrations, as every celebration is unique and special in its own way. Holidays don't have to follow an ideal standard, but focus on what you have and appreciate the small daily joys. A quiet moment with a friend, a good cup of tea or a walk under the Christmas lights are all little things that can bring happiness. Gratitude helps you focus on the positive, reducing stress and improving emotional well-being.
Over-the-counter medications as support
Finally, if necessary, experts suggest using over-the-counter medications to manage some common physical ailments associated with the 'Christmas blues'. These remedies, easily available in pharmacies, can help combat problems such as headaches, insomnia or gastrointestinal disorders, which can be amplified by the stress of the holidays. However, it is always important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any type of medication.
