staying postive during the holidays

[beanbean]

i know i can't be the only one that feels pretty crapy during these winter months . my job does not help as i am off two times when i most struggle .but how are ways you guy try to stay postive even when times got you down. this site is one of things i am trying this year staying as active  as i can on here and even posting out of my  comfort zone more often lol . love to hear from you  guys

[LoverEcho]

This time of year is usually quite happy for me, but this year I am dealing with grief after losing my mom. It's been hard as time itself doesn't feel real, everything is going by so fast. To try and keep my spirits up, I've decorated more and am spending lots of time with family and friends. Putting on feel-good christmas movies helps me too. Other than that, I'm just doing my best to find joy in the little things and not stress myself out further. 

Hoping you find some comfort through these months. I know some people who also experience a lower mood during these time and know it can't be the best feeling. I'm glad the forum is helping! This community really is a light sometimes. 

[Sloth Fairy]

I struggle this time of year with SAD  and especially with the holidays because of my parents being gone.

I take supplements that help. But really it's OK to not be "at your best". Winter is meant to be a time to slow down and do less. Our bodies need it really.

I've been just doing small goals to keep me going and try not to put so much pressure on myself. And this site is a big help to me too.

[beanbean]

9 minutes ago, Sloth Fairy said:

I struggle this time of year with SAD  and especially with the holidays because of my parents being gone.

I take supplements that help. But really it's OK to not be "at your best". Winter is meant to be a time to slow down and do less. Our bodies need it really.

I've been just doing small goals to keep me going and try not to put so much pressure on myself. And this site is a big help to me too.

i agree its okay not to be at your best .but also you got to be always looking for ways to be doing better

[MissNMTX]

I think a lot of it has to do with why you have the blues. Somehow, the Christmas season got turned into a romantic season, which I don't get, but if the reason is loneliness staying active places like this could help.

My church does a special grief class around the holidays. If that's the reason. I took it this year and it was really helpful.

Christmas is my favorite "little" season, but really it's a season for children and people in love. If you are neither of those the older you get it just tends to be less enjoyable.

[Skeezix]

I also struggle to stay upbeat in the cold and the dark of winter. I hate snow, and boy do we get snow here. February is usually the toughest month for me.

I try to keep active, mentally and physically. I like to work on planning projects to do in the warmer weather. I have a collection of house plants that keep the green in my life and help me keep a routine. I try to be mindful that Earth will inevitably tilt back towards the sun and warmth will return.

It would probably help me to be more social too, so that's part of why I'm here. I'm hopeful that it will help.

[beanbean]

8 hours ago, MissNMTX said:

I think a lot of it has to do with why you have the blues. Somehow, the Christmas season got turned into a romantic season, which I don't get, but if the reason is loneliness staying active places like this could help.

My church does a special grief class around the holidays. If that's the reason. I took it this year and it was really helpful.

Christmas is my favorite "little" season, but really it's a season for children and people in love. If you are neither of those the older you get it just tends to be less enjoyable.

lol most likley your right i am an old lonley  man😁 ,it does not help that i am not working right now .just got to fight it thro for sure ,

[Guest]

I go thru the mental/emotional upheaval of the winter.  But, I try to focus on the positive and I also make lists. Alot! Lol Especially during those times when I don't feel like doing anything. It helps me feel like I've accomplished something, no matter how little it may seem.  It also gives the feeling of being organized. Which also helps. 

Agoraphobia keeps me from going out. So i stay busy inside. Crafts, games, cleaning... Lol. I wasn't always this way. Soooooo, my goal for the New Year🎉 is to step outside my bubble and start doing fun stuff again!! This site is helping me with that.  So, thank y'all, very muches!!😊🤗

 

Edited December 16, 2022 by Lil Juju

[MissNMTX]

I'm definitely so grateful I live somewhere that's mostly sunny year round. If I lived somewhere that was dark and gray(actually wintery) I would definitely be more vulnerable to the affects of SAD. Maybe light therapy? Vitamin D and making sure your iron is good for sure.

[Andriel_Isilien]

I'm getting hit with bad memories and feelings from a traumatic event that happened between Christmas and New Year's Day. This time of year and everything associated with it puts me back to where I once was, and those feelings are raw. I usually LOVE the holidays, but it got ruined for me so I'm trying to write over that with better ones. Each week is getting harder than the last. I'm giving myself space, permission to cry it out, lean on some trusted people, not put so much pressure/expectation on myself, and simply have patience as I work through these emotions. This will pass. Hang in there. 💗 Last year around this time I was in such a terrible place but not today.

Edited December 16, 2022 by Andriel_Isilien

[beanbean]

yeah tbh July is alway harder for me by miles lol but holiday time is no picnic lol so i just wanted to see becuase i know others go thru this too .glad to hear people chiming in for sure

[Stine]

Christmas time is always hard for me as my thoughts are with my blood related. I got severely traumatized by my parents and one of My older brothers. This year i got a nephew, which makes me very happy for my younger brother, but it's also a reminder that I will never have a child of my own. My birthday is the 27th and every birthday is another reminder of the day that never came, i don't expect anyone to understand, as it is transgender specific. I also have chronic illness that make christmas one of the hardest holidays to cope with (food based) 

What I do to stay positive is to try and do something every day to move towards my goals. I can be a small thing and it often is. 

Seriously, it can be as little as making the bed. Starting the day with a win, helps a lot. 

I make sure to take time out of my day, to do something that is just for me, often that is colouring... Or minecraft. 

I also try to do something for others. If it get's really bad, i bury myself in work, so i don't have time to think about anything else. 

[Little kaiya]

I stay positive by surrounding myself with the 5 most important people in my life: my Wife, my Daddy, my mom, my cousin and his wife. We get out and look at Christmas lights, have meals together and just spend time together without pressure or expectations.

The other thing I do is cuddle and pet my dog. It's hard not to smile from the licks, huffy when I stop and just generally positive doggy energy.

[Guest Forevermore]

On 12/15/2022 at 2:14 PM, beanbean said:

i know i can't be the only one that feels pretty crapy during these winter months . my job does not help as i am off two times when i most struggle .but how are ways you guy try to stay postive even when times got you down. this site is one of things i am trying this year staying as active  as i can on here and even posting out of my  comfort zone more often lol . love to hear from you  guys

It sucks for me because the winter months, especially Christmas, are usually one of my favorite times of the year! But due to my recent separation it has been taking a heavy toll on me. All my plans since Halloween (another favorite of mine) evaporated and I have been struggling to cope with the loss I am feeling.

Last year one of my best friends was tragically killed as well. Halloween was her favorite time of year, so that was already hard enough. This year, this time of it specifically, has been incredibly challenging...

BUT! I have been doing my best to reframe my circumstances and change my feelings on the matter. It isn't easy, but I am giving it my best shot. I have been losing weight (about almost thirty pounds in over two months), catching up on projects both at home and in my personal time, and just overall keeping my views as optimistic as I humanly can. I may have lost a lot and the pain of those thoughts still catch me off guard, but I refuse to lose to them. I plan to fight for myself, since I can no longer fight for those closest to me.

Why should I give up that love and joy? My friend would want me to be happy. To thrive. I may have lost the one I love to circumstances, but I can still love myself and prove I was worth it. The snow is beautiful, just tenaciously annoying aha. I completed my first semester of college! There is plenty to look forward to! Just gotta take it in baby steps. Accept the pain that haunts you, even if it feels unfair or you feel ashamed for holding onto it. You're human. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you should be yourself aha. 

I hope I didn't come off condescending or like I'm diverting attention from your question. I just wanted to let you know you got this! Everyone deals with struggles in their own ways and under their own terms; both in and out of control. When you feel yourself struggling? Take a moment and regroup your thoughts. Look ahead and enjoy the simple things you enjoy most of all. Get some cocoa, watch the snow, or just take a breather and a nice, relaxing bath. You got this!

Edited December 18, 2022 by NevermoreForlorn

[Sloth Fairy]

Doggy energy is the best. I think puppy therapy for depression should be a thing 

[Skeezix]

33 minutes ago, Sloth Fairy said:

Doggy energy is the best. I think puppy therapy for depression should be a thing 

It actually is. Google for services in your area.

[Sloth Fairy]

I probably should have clarified. I didn't mean therapy dogs but more like playing with puppies for an hour or so. Maybe there are places that would want to have people come and socialize the puppies and get them used to people. I think that would be very therapeutic. 

[beanbean]

yes people can allways volunteer at the local animal shelters if able

[MissNMTX]

Puppies are the best! Literally one of my most favorite things. If I could, I'd have all the pups.

 

There's a reason so many people got them during the lockdowns. They are so good for mental health.

[beanbean]

yeah kittys are my thing and they work too for sure

[Andriel_Isilien]

8 hours ago, Sloth Fairy said:

I probably should have clarified. I didn't mean therapy dogs but more like playing with puppies for an hour or so. Maybe there are places that would want to have people come and socialize the puppies and get them used to people. I think that would be very therapeutic. 

 

7 hours ago, beanbean said:

yes people can allways volunteer at the local animal shelters if able

I second this!! It's why I volunteer twice a week with small pets. 🥰 There are more than just animal shelters like cat cafes, petting zoos, rescues, and more that I am not aware of. 🐾

[Guest Enchanted_MoonFlower]

On 12/15/2022 at 2:14 PM, beanbean said:

i know i can't be the only one that feels pretty crapy during these winter months . my job does not help as i am off two times when i most struggle .but how are ways you guy try to stay postive even when times got you down. this site is one of things i am trying this year staying as active  as i can on here and even posting out of my  comfort zone more often lol . love to hear from you  guys

Your not the only one who's feeling that way. I get pretty sad around the holidays too. It's been two years since I lost my brother. I'm trying to keep positive by doing small things for myself. I put up Christmas lights in my room. Decorated it. Coloring in Christmas coloring books. They help me a lot. Every Sunday my family has a nostalgic movie night, which is also helpful. I've also bought my favorite chocolate. 

I still grief and cry over things sometimes, but these small things help me out a lot. 🥰

[beanbean]

that was the whole point of the thread is all the little things that can end up being big things in the long run😊

[PocketDove]

I actually tend to get depressed around the summer, but this year the winter has been hitting me pretty hard. I feel isolated/lonely. Plus I'm traveling, so I'm far from family. As other people have noted, this forum has been a big help. I also catch up on tv or book series that has been in the back burner. I make it a point to experience nature in some way shape or form, even if it's just sipping a warm drink while enjoying a view from a window. 

Lately, I've been revisiting creative outlets like digital painting and crafting. They are meditative, grounding, and tickle my little brain. 

[PocketSand]

This is the one time of year where I take some time off from work so for me it's pretty exciting even on days where I'm just being lazy. It does still kinda suck I don't have a significant other to spend this time with. But I got friends and family plus I actually like having some alone time. 

Just think of the glass being half full instead of half empty.