FIVE THINGS TO DO IF YOU DREAD THIS TIME OF YEAR

The assumption that everyone loves Christmas or Hanukkah is so ingrained it’s hard to discover how people really feel. Surveyjunkie.com did ask in 2017. Around 14 per cent said anxiety was the emotion they most associated with the season while about eight per cent chose depression. Here are some ways to help you through:

1

MINIMIZE ‘ SHOULD’

If you catch yourself saying you “should” do something, try to excuse yourself. It’s almost certainly something you’re doing only to appease others rather than because you’ll enjoy it.

2

SAY ‘ NO’ EFFECTIVELY

When you don’t want to do something and it isn’t absolutely necessary, politely decline without offering reasons. Excuses only invite the person making the request to argue you into an acceptance.

3

PRIORITIZE HEALTH

Get outside in natural light. Use a light box or light alarm. Go to bed as early as possible. Take walks. Eat wholesome natural foods at regular intervals.

4

SOCIALIZE APPROPRIATELY

Arrange to meet up with the people you really care for and, if crowds overwhelm you, be mindful of how many people you organize to see at a time and where.

5

DO IT YOUR WAY

If you’re attending a family gathering, decide for yourself when you’ll arrive and depart. If you’re on your own, forget tradition and do something you’ve always wanted to do. Making your own choices means you’ll feel more in control, and you’ll remember this year not only favourably but clearly as well, because the unusual stands out.