Therefore I remind you to inflame anew the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-7, Modern King James Version)
The Holiday Blues...Do they get to you?
Beginning with Thanksgiving, we entered into a time affectionately called, "The Holidays." This is supposed to be a fun and happy time...but for some, turns into feelings of depression, commonly called "The Holiday Blues."
The Holiday Blues
can be connected to any significant event. However, most people associate the intense feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression and anxiety with the period of time beginning with Thanksgiving through New Year's.
The Holiday Blues usually occur because there is a "great divide" between expectations for the perfect event/holiday and memories of similar events/holidays past.
Symptoms of The Blues can include:
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headaches
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change in sleep patterns from insomnia to excessive sleeping
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changes in appetite resulting in either weight gain or weight loss
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increased issues with intestinal problems
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excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or lack
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increased risk of conflict with family/friends/coworkers
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diminished ability to think clearly or concentrate
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decreased interest in activities that usually brought pleasure:
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food
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sex
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work
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friends
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hobbies
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entertainment
The Holiday Blues
can be about loss. Intense feelings of loss which can be especially poignant if you have experienced the loss of a loved one. The ebb and flow of grief (from whatever source) can feel overpowering...memories of Christmases past can overwhelm. Remember Scrooge, a character from Charles Dickens,
Christmas Carol? During the course of his night journeys, he plummeted from times of great joy to devastating feelings of great loss. How did Scrooge come to terms with his experiences? He chose a "new" path to replace his old walk...he chose to make a difference in other's lives. We, too, can choose a "new" path. To change won't be easy necessarily; but, the effort will offer great rewards!
Below are some suggestions that to help those suffering from The Blues to better cope with the holidays...and even create, a "new" tradition:
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Be reasonable with your schedule (don't over-commit time, food or money).
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Decide your priorities and stick to them.
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Be careful about resentments related to holidays past.
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Don't expect the holidays (or other people) to be as they were when you were young. (You're not the same, neither is anyone else).
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Plan unstructured, low-cost fun holiday activities: window-shop, look at decorations, the possibilities are endless.
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Do not let the holidays become a reason for over-indulging...food, alcohol, even gift-giving, etc.
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As for and accept help.
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Develop a support network.
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Find time for yourself...relax and enjoy the season.
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And last but by no means least: If you find yourself struggling with negative thoughts and feelings, remember the reason for the season: Jesus...a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name, Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Matt. 1:23, KJV)
At the onset of this article, I shared 2 Timothy 1:6-7, MKJV: Therefore I remind you to inflame anew the gift of God, which is in you by the putting on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Let's inflame (stir up) the gift of God within us, Beloved Reader, let's use this holiday season as a catalyst for moving forward in Christ!
And exactly how shall we accomplish this? The Message explains it well: Whenever, though, they turn to face God as Moses did, God removes the veil and there they are-face-to-face! They suddenly recognize that God is a living, personal presence, not a piece of chiseled stone. And when God is personally present, a living Spirit, that old, constricting legislation is recognized as obsolete. We're free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. (2 Corinthians 3:16-18, The Message)
*FREE NATURAL HEALTH NEWSLETTER: For more information on natural alternatives; integrative medicine; Pam Anderson, DNM, RN, CNHP, AHNA and/or to receive Pam's free newsletter for optimum health, please visit: www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com>.
Principle for Optimum Health
:
Do not ignore symptoms! If you are experiencing symptoms of an injury or illness; have been diagnosed with a disease process; or if you are pregnant, nursing or desiring to become pregnant; you should consult with the healthcare provider of your choice before embarking upon any new health regimen.
In the U.S., only a medical practitioner may diagnose - or name - any disease or disease process. It is not my goal to diagnose you. It is my goal to educate you regarding nutrition and health. For more information, please visit my website: newhorizonsnaturalhealthcare.com <http://www.newhorizonsnaturalhealthcarecenter.com>.
