November 25, 2024
Christmas is a time for cherishing moments with family and friends, celebrating the birth of our Savior, and enjoying the bright lights adorning homes. However, for many of us, it can also be one of the darkest times of the year. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64 percent of individuals facing mental health challenges report that the holidays exacerbate their struggles.
Can you relate? Are the holidays a tough time for you? Perhaps you grew up in a home where you never felt loved, and the holidays bring back painful memories. Or this might be your first holiday without a loved one you’ve lost. Alternatively, you may be estranged from family—through no fault of your own—and feel alone.
Despite the challenges you may face, there are practical ways for you to overcome the holiday blues.
1.Connect with people.
The worst thing you can do is isolate yourself from the people God may want to use to encourage and restore you. Instead of waiting for an invitation, take the initiative to invite a neighbor over for dinner. Click here to find a Life Recovery Group to join.
2. Set realistic goals.
It’s common for us to spend a great deal of energy feeling overwhelmed during the holidays. To manage your time, write down your goals. Once you have your list, prioritize each item. Be willing to say “no” to anything that doesn’t align with your goals.
3. Make a budget and follow it.
Let’s be honest: Finances can create a lot of stress during the holidays. Tell your loved ones, “That’s not in my budget.” Focus less on the presents and more on God’s Presence. Remember to “Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have, for He Himself has said ‘I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you.’” – Hebrews 13:5
4. Contact someone you’ve lost touch with.
Now is the perfect time to rekindle a relationship. Remember that coworker you used to eat lunch with? What about that old friend from college that you lost touch with? Send them a Christmas card, talk with them over a video call, or meet them for coffee and reminisce about the old days. Getting back in touch with people who’ve positively impacted your life can bring joy.
5. Be honest with God about your situation.
No one cares for you more than your Creator, who understands what keeps you awake at night and causes you anxiety. Whenever you feel flooded with fear, surrender each of your fears over to God; then, memorize and meditate on Philippians 4:6-8.
6. Get plenty of rest.
The holiday season often tempts us to stay up late into the night. However, as the days go by and fatigue sets in, we can quickly find ourselves feeling depressed and discouraged. It’s important to prioritize rest to maintain your emotional well-being.
7. Let go of the past and find new or different ways to celebrate.
While many family traditions are fun, you might sometimes feel pressured to continue practices you don’t like simply because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.” For instance, if you always cook, have the food catered or do a potluck.
8. Don’t overindulge in holiday foods.
Developing the habit of eating substantial amounts of food can leave us feeling tired and sluggish. The key is to practice moderation. If you eat more than usual in one day, get back on track the next day.
9. Don’t focus on what you don’t have—focus on what you do have.
Focusing on your difficult circumstances may lead you to believe that God has forgotten or abandoned you. However, nothing could be further from the truth! Shift your perspective by creating a gratitude journal. Try the New Life Journal.
10. Get out of yourself and into other people.
The best insurance against the holiday blues is pouring yourself into someone else. Try volunteering at a homeless shelter or babysitting the children of the single mother who lives across the street so that she can take some time for herself. By investing in others, you’ll find that many of your burdens are eased.
Please know we are here for you if you need help with the holidays! Call us at 800-NEW-LIFE for prayer or help finding a counselor or coach.
By Stephen Arterburn
6 Powerful Prayers for Recovery
