Staying Happy and Healthy during the Holidays!

Michelle Okonieczny

By Michelle Okonieczny, DNP, Oak Orchard Health in Medina

Not everyone looks forward to the holidays with a HoHoHo! In fact, many people find it difficult time of year. It’s my hope that this article gives you some advice on finding some happiness during the holidays and beyond, and knowing when to call your medical provider for help.  If you don’t have a medical provider or behavioral health therapist, you should call the Oak Orchard Health location nearest you. Having a medical provider that you can confide in is important to staying healthy and happy all year round.

Are you depressed or have the holiday blues?

This time of year is when many of my patients come in feeling depressed. Is it really depression or the holiday blues? We have so many expectations for the holidays that it can certainly make us feel blue. There is a definite difference between depression and the holiday blues.

Depression during the fall and winter is often referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression. Light therapy and antidepressants can help treat SAD. So be sure to get help. If you think you may be depressed, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Medications and/or therapy can help you see improvements but expect your mood to get better slowly.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a functional disability meaning you find it hard to function – examples include getting out of bed each morning, inability to go to work, loss of appetite, and you may not feel like taking care of yourself. This type of functional decline is the difference between it and the holiday blues.

What are the holiday blues?

With the holiday blues you may be functioning, but you feel like you’re on autopilot and you’re very unhappy. The holidays can be a gloomy time of year for many people. My advice is to do something for yourself, something that you enjoy. It may be as simple as getting out of the house or visiting a friend or family member you haven’t seen in a while. Think of what would make you happy and put the date on your calendar to go.  Remember you’re not the only one feeling the holiday blues. Even if others have family and friends around, they may be feeling lonely. Don’t be afraid to reach out during this time of year.

How do I celebrate the holidays without family and friends around?

You’re not the only one in this situation! So many families are spread across the state or country that you may find yourself on your own for the holidays. How do you get through it without being down? Have a plan! Think about what you’d like to do that day. Are you going to cook for yourself? Enjoy a delicious meal. If appropriate, go to a religious service where you’ll see many smiling faces.

Plan on doing what you like that day. Love movies? Make a list of the movies that you can watch that day at home or go to the movie theater. Love football? Watch a game or two on Christmas Day. When will you take your walk? If the weather permits, get bundled up and enjoy the beauty of the winter. When will you call family or friends to wish them a happy holiday? Whatever you decide, have a plan, write it down, and enjoy yourself.

Get started on your New Year’s resolutions early.

While you’re planning for the holidays, think about your nutrition during the holidays and what you may want to do differently in 2024 to improve your health. Though the holidays represent only a few days during the month of December, people often find themselves overeating for more than that. If you’re the cook, have a plan for the leftovers. Give them to your guests or friends. It’s not realistic to think you won’t eat a piece of pie but keeping that pie around will be a very tempting sweet treat.

Knowing that you’ll be eating differently this month should inspire you to increase your exercise. A walk around the block or inside a department store during the cold weather are both great ways to jumpstart a new healthy exercise routine.

If you have any questions, please contact Oak Orchard Health. We are accepting new patients and now is a great time of year to begin a relationship with a medical provider. Call (585) 589-5613 or visit our website at www.OakOrchardHealth.org. We have health centers in  Albion, Alexander, Batavia, Brockport, Hornell, Medina, Pembroke, and Warsaw.