by Campbell Bowden

With the Holidays around the corner, many emotions can be present. Many people have different celebrations and traditions they take part in, while others it may be very different. Holidays for some are a reminder of loss, loneliness, and isolation which can make these times tough. It is so important to learn different tools to keep your heart warm, even when everything around you feel so cold.

What can cause the holidays to be hard?

Unrealistic expectations

The Holidays get harder as you get older because we wish we could hold onto the childhood expectations we once had. As we get older, it becomes more of a reality of where the presents come from. It is a reality check that our imaginations have been dimmed and now we must carry the weight of adulthood.

Needing to spend a lot of money

This time of year, there are so many ways it is easy to throw money away. With whichever holidays you celebrate, there is a good chance gifts are involved. It is hard, especially if you are under financial pressure already, to meet others’ expectation of gift giving.

Being reminded of a loved one who has passed

One of the hardest pills to swallow during the holidays is to celebrate it without someone you loved and wished they were there.

Depression is heightened

All of these factors can play a big role in heightening someone’s depression and making them feel really down. When this spiral begins, and memories come up it can cause us to go into isolation and not want to be around people or the holiday itself.

Although there are many things that can cause our heart be cold during this season, there are ways to keep it warm.

5 Ways to Keep Your Heart Warm

Here are 5 ways to help cope through not only getting through the holidays but enjoying them:

1. Breathe: practicing mindfulness and meditation can help reground us to be more relaxed in the situation.

2. Exercising: this can help release dopamine into the brain to give some happy chemicals which can overall help us in our mood.

3. Cope ahead: being prepared for a tough season and coping ahead may not make the season easier but it can make it more bearable. By coping ahead you are giving your body the chance to feel the emotions in a space that is controllable.

4. Journaling: Taking a few minutes each day to write down whatever thoughts are on our mind can help clear our minds and decrease the amount of stress we are feeling.

5. Create an escape plan: if you know there is a specific event that is going to raise your stress levels, figure out a plan that is best for you to help give yourself a break for a bit.

Holidays can be hard, and the weather can be cold; however, that does not mean our hearts have to be cold.