Don’t Let the Holidays Get You Down

Have you ever wanted to banish those gigantic meals that come around like a bad curse every November and December? Are you one of the silent majority that would rather spend a quiet evening with a few friends and then call it a night? The good news is there are tried-and-true ways to avoid the intense pain and suffering that often accompanies Turkey Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day mega-meals. It’s as simple as following one or more of the sure-fire strategies below. Here’s the secret recipe for a stress-free, worry-free and hassle-free winter:

Protect Your Mental Health

If you find that the holidays are a recurring source of stress for you, consider getting professional help. There are psychological problems that often surface during the social months like November and December, some of which can be symptoms of larger, more complex mental health challenges. It’s one thing to say, half-jokingly, “I dread the big holidays, with all the commercialization, crowded stores and fake sincerity,” It’s quite another to feel truly depressed and isolated when Thanksgiving rolls around.

Make it a point to seek counseling if your dislike of the so-called festive season seems more than just a passing thing. Professionals in the mental health field know full well that anxiety, depression and other maladies can creep up on folks when the weather turns cold. But finding a therapist in the Bay Area is an easy task by simply asking any social service worker how to get in touch with someone who can help you deal with season-related behavioral health challenges.

Avoid the Parties

Just say no to all those party invitations that materialize in your inbox like so much wealth seminar spam. Make it a point to attend just one or two get-togethers this year.

Have Simple Meals on the Big Days

Going for a down-sized meal schedule on Thanksgiving and Christmas is an idea whose time has come. Unless you love crowds, nightmarish planning and dealing with unruly relatives, make this the year of the small dinner party. Consider inviting no more than 4 or 5 people, or joining in on a pot-luck meal at someone else’s home. As long as you and the other participants agree on the rules about no big crowds, an intimate get-together during the festive time of year can virtually erase stress and anxiety.

Take a Vacation

Call it the classic form of escape if you with, but taking a couple of Customized International Guided Tours or three-day weekends during Thanksgiving and Christmas can be the ideal way to avoid all the stress and anxiety that usually comes with the celebratory months. Tell friends and relatives that you’re getting out of town for a few days. Then take a mini-vacation to a nearby town or tourist spot and enjoy a hassle-free environment.

Volunteer

It’s a cure as old as the human race, but helping those in dire need can be an effective way of eliminating temporary gloominess and seasonal burnout. When the frigid months arrive, homeless and other less fortunate people need food, shelter and clothing more than at any other time of the year. Ask your pastor, rabbi or co-workers about nearby volunteer opportunities.