Simply Moments

 

 

Welcome to Simply Moments

…moments from this journey called life…

*The people who walk in darkness   will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness,*   a light will shine.

~Isaiah 9:2~

 

Christmas is supposed to be one of the most joyous times of the year – festive clothes, yummy food, beautiful decorations, lights, parties, beautiful music, focusing on the reason for the season, family, and friends – so how could anyone possibly be depressed? 

I have asked myself that question over and over and over….have you??  Do you feel guilty, like you need to hide the fact that YOU are NOT joyous?  

If thoughts of the Holidays cause you to feel down and make you want to sleep and hide until the middle of January, you’re not alone. The idea that everyone is happy in December, just..is…not…true!

Read on to discover a few reasons for what is often referred to as the “Holiday Blues.”

• Unrealistic expectations – We all have visions of what we think Christmas should be. Often we view Christmas through child-like eyes, hoping to recapture the magic and wonder of hazy memories. We tend to remember only the good things and expect a fantasy Christmas even as adults. These unrealistic expectations lead to feelings of disappointment when events turn out to be less than we expect.

 

• Debt – Millions of Americans are heavily in debt and excessive Christmas spending leads to an even greater burden of debt. Advertisers are adept at hooking us into believing we have to purchase gifts for everyone from our immediate family to teachers to acquaintances to postal carriers to…the list goes on and on. Setting a Christmas budget, saving throughout the year, and resisting the urge to exceed the budget will help keep spending within reasonable limits.  This is where our commitment to a Handmade Christmas comes in….and our GIVEAWAY!

 

• World Events(AKA “The Economy”) – The events of September 11, 2001 brought terrorism and its affects to our door. Suddenly, fear regarding personal safety and national security became every day issues. Wars and rumors of war along with constant talk about nuclear weapon stockpiling change the mood of the nation, even at Christmastime. The continuing problems with our government, people losing their jobs, now losing their healthcare, all that combined with sky high prices for practically everything we need to buy to live…has led to a less that positive outlook for ourselves and our families.  Also, military deployment places families on opposite sides of the globe, causing separation at a time when families are normally brought together.

 

• Aging family members (and this could mean YOU too) – Watching parents, grandparents, and other family members age is a difficult process. As life expectancy increases, so do problems associated with long-term care, mental function, and quality of life. Many of us are put in a position to become caregivers or provide financial assistance to aging family members. Remembering these loved ones in younger days against the backdrop of their current physical or mental incapacities tends to cast a shadow on holiday festivities. Additionally, remembering our loved ones that have passed on puts a huge wet blanket on the Christmas season.

 

• Magnification of existing problems – Historically, Christmas is a time that emphasizes family togetherness. However, if you grew up in a family situation that was less than idyllic, the holidays may bring back memories of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Ongoing relationship problems with parents, siblings, children, or your spouse may seem more intense and more unsolvable during the holidays. Often, looking at other families who seem to be happy and have it all together intensifies your feelings of inadequacy or lack of control over current relationship problems.

Now that we have explored a few of the reasons WHY we have our Holiday Blues…let’s look at 10 ways we can proactively do something about it so that we may step out into the light….. 

 

Take Time to Breathe: Sit quietly for one minute, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. You could do this while driving to and from work, before sitting down to eat, or at bedtime. Remember to thank God for each and every precious breath!

Use Aromatherapy: Essential oils are a nice addition to your regular routine. For example take lavender oil, put a few drops on a tissue and inhale. This will calm you and it promotes sleep. Mandarin calms the nervous system without sedating; citrus oils, like lemon, uplifts the spirit and calm at that same time. Lemon also doubles as an antibacterial. Peppermint oil is also used to perk up.  

Practice Gratefulness: At night I think of three things you are grateful for. It is a great way to end your day with positive thoughts and put you in a peaceful sleep. You don’t have to choose a huge or major event to be grateful. Focusing on your blessings brings that positive thought process into our minds and hearts promoting well-being.

Laugh: “If you can laugh at it you can survive it,”said Bill Cosby. Laughing diverts your attention from negative feelings like anger and stress. People underestimate the power of laughing, but it’s huge.  It relieves stress, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system and changes your perspective on things.

Listen to Music: Music is universal and ageless. It’s uplifting spirit can take you out of a mood.If I had a bad day, I get in my car,  turn on the radio, and feel the energy.

Bask in the light: One of the most effective treatments Holiday Depression is light. Even twenty minutes seated beside a sunny window or walking outside at lunchtime helps. The other all-important light source is God’s word. In the busyness of the season, don’t neglect time in Bible study and prayer.

Exercise: One of the best ways to combat depression is with physical activity. Often this is difficult when all you want to do is curl up under an afghan and sleep, but find a partner and hit the gym instead. Aerobic exercise increases the heart rate and releases endorphins in the brain, which leads to increased feelings of well-being, not to mention helping you avoid those unwanted holiday pounds.

Lower your personal goals & expectations: Many times we overload ourselves with “must do’s” during the holidays. Often these goals are unrealistic and leave us with a feeling of defeat when not accomplished. When you’re already feeling depressed, a list of undone to-do’s can be overwhelming. Decide to lower your personal goals during the holidays. Take a serious look at what you hope to accomplish and then strike through or decrease requirements for some of the things on your list. If you’ve ALWAYS done things a certain way, give yourself permission to do it differently and simpler this year.

Focus on making pleasant memories: Even if Christmas reminds you of a depressing past, you can take steps to create pleasant memories for the future. Begin a new tradition that is unique for you and your immediate family. It can be as simple as a Christmas Eve song-fest and story time or as elaborate as an overnight trip to a fancy hotel. Whatever you choose let it require a minimum of preparation and maximum enjoyment.

Serve others: A great way to overcome feelings of sadness is to focus outward rather than inward. Realize you are not the only one struggling during the holidays. There are many others who are sad, depressed, and lonely. Even though you may not feel like exerting yourself, push yourself to find a way to offer an act of service for an elderly or disabled person in your church or community. It may involve wrapping presents, driving someone to a doctor’s appointment, or simply listening and offering words of comfort and encouragement.  

Until next week…know I am praying for YOU….

We walk by FAITH….not by sight!

This article is hopping around the following Blog Hops:

Homestead Barn Hop, Wildcrafting Wednesday, From the Farm Fridays, Simple Saturdays Blog Hop, Simple Life Sunday Blog Hop.

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Medical Disclaimer:

Nothing in this post is to be construed as medical advice, simply a sharing of things that have worked for me & my family. If you have any symptoms of serious illness, taking medication, pregnant or nursing, or have never worked with herbal materials or essential oils before, please consider consulting a medical professional before use. I am unable to offer advise for your particular medical situation; please ask your Doctor, Nurse Practitioner or Naturopath for further guidance.  The statements made here have not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act.