Holiday Blues: Ways to Care For Yourself Through Difficult Times

Holiday Blues come on for a wide array of reasons that can include financial, physical and emotional stress, painful family dynamics, separations, illness and loss of loved ones. Thankfully there are some tried and true things we can do to help take good care of ourselves and decrease the suffering during hard times.

WAYS TO CARE FOR YOURSELF:
1. Identify and acknowledge your feelings.
Meditation, journaling, and momentary check-ins throughout the day to scan what is happening for you can be very useful ways to tune in. Notice what you are feeling and ask yourself what you need to take good care.

2. Be true to yourself and your needs. Give yourself what YOU need. Be realistic with your time and expectations of yourself.
It's ok to say no, decline an invite or change your mind if you need to take more time to take care of yourself more. This can feel really hard if we are used to people pleasing/taking care of others, but your needs matter. It is 100% ok to prioritize your well-being and do what you authentically need to do to take care.

3. Stay on top of your self-care practices the best you can
Sleep 7-9 hours
Keep good nutrition going in: healthy, protein and amino acids, fresh produce, water
Gentle daily exercise
Spend time outdoors and in the sunshine
Reach for heat. Teas + warm baths. Warm cozy sweaters and scarves. Water bottles. Blankets. Saunas. Hot Yoga. Etc
Light up candles
Turn on light therapy boxes
Reach for soothing nervine botanicals and adaptogen herbs
Take your vitas, minerals, EFAs and mood lifting herbs - check out the description boxes of the related videos for specific herbs and supplement recommendations
Get body work done: massage, reiki, acupuncture, etc
Stock up on items that are soothing and nurturing to your nervous system.
The GoodGrief Sympathy box - https://perfectfriendsgifts.com/produ...

4. Allow yourself time and space to be with yourself
Make sure to leave space in your days and weeks to do things to take care of yourself. Time for all the good self-care practices listed above.

5. Focus on the good things too.
It can be really hard to focus on what we are grateful for when our hearts are breaking and we feel emotionally sunk. The data shows us that this is a really helpful ladder to help us lift our mood though, so reach for this practice, even if it feels challenging.

6. Call in support. Call your best friend(s) over to help your process. Call your grief counselors, sponsors, therapists and mental health team professionals in to help give you a hand when you are having big feelings. Connection is very helpful when we are in the midst of very difficult feelings.
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/nati...

RELATED PrettyWell VIDEOS:
1. Causes and Natural Treatments for Depression
2. How To Relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Winter Depression
3. Herbs for Anxiety
4. Simple Natural Treatment for Anxiety

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Hello from Dr. Patti Kim + Dr. Angela Agrios! We are both California Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) who have been practicing for 10+ years. Naturopathic Medicine integrates conventional and natural medicine principles and practices.

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This content is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Angela Agrios, Dr. Patti Kim nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.