120 likes | 227 Views
HOLIDAY BLUES. Presented by Debra Benbow FNP-BC, PhD (c). Objectives. At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to Recognize signs and symptoms of Holiday Blues. Discuss appropriate interventions to avoid or minimize Holiday Blues
E N D
HOLIDAY BLUES Presented by Debra Benbow FNP-BC, PhD (c)
Objectives At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to • Recognize signs and symptoms of Holiday Blues. • Discuss appropriate interventions to avoid or minimize Holiday Blues • Heighten self and team awareness regarding Holiday Blues among consumers and professionals
Why the BLUES? • Pressure to feel merry • Remembrances of holidays past • Reminders of loved ones lost • Loneliness • Financial hardship • In search of the sunlight…..ie the time change
Why the BLUES? (cont) • Increased alcohol use • Overeating • Lack of sleep • Overscheduling • Lack of planning • Unrealistic expectations about families • Unrealistic fantasies about ourselves • Lack of exercise • Lack of time for oneself
Signs and Symptoms Unrealistic expectations Sadness Financial stress Inability to communicate Anger Inability to focus Restless Feeling blue • Headaches • Excessive drinking • Overeating • Loss of appetite • Insomnia • Stress • Fatigue • Crying spells
Beating Holiday Blues • Stick to normal routines as much as possible • Get enough sleep or rest • Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself • Eat and drink in moderation and don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down • Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk • Take off days from work
Beating Holiday Blues • Make a to-do list and keep things simple • Set reasonable expectations and goals for holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, attending parties or sending holiday cards • Set a financial budget for holiday activities….stick to it! • Listen to music • Remember that holiday blues are short-term, so be patient and take things week by week and day by day
Beating Holiday Blues • Be reasonable with your schedule • Decide upon your priorities and stick to them. • Organize your time • Don't expect the holidays to be the same (when you were a child) • Volunteer to serve holiday dinner at a homeless shelter. • Plan unstructured, low-cost fun holiday activities: • Give yourself a break; create time for yourself • Let go of perfectionism and the need for control • Don't try to be someone you are not • Don't try to be a saint • Don't romanticize past holidays • Don't lose sight of the true message of the holidays
References http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-tsilimparis/6-essential-tips-for-surv_b_6116234.html http://blackdoctor.org/369322/holiday-blues-symptoms/ http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/10-Tips-to-Beat-the-Holiday-Blues http://psychcentral.com/lib/beating-the-holiday-blues/ http://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/Stopping-the-Holidays-from-Getting-You-Down
Questions…..Comments….. Laugh Enjoy Relax HAPPY HOLIDAYS