Dr. Anna’s 2022 Holiday Survival Guide

Welcome to my 2022 holiday survival guide! Chances are, we may all get to experience a more normal holiday season than we have in several years. And with that, you may find yourself once again trying to be all things to all people. So let me give you some things to think about as you we launch into the fray.

Here are my tips this year for keeping things safe, sane, and for getting what you want and need:

• First and most important, think about what YOU want and how YOU want to feel this holiday season. What will you gift YOURSELF with? It could be as simple as more silence and reflection OR perhaps something more exotic (like that piece of jewelry you’ve always wanted). You can create whatever experience you are craving!
• Listen to your body. If you are tired, rest. If you don’t feel like slapping on a fake smile for an event you really don’t want to attend, stay home in your jammies.
• Spend some time thinking about who you actually want to spend your time with. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to invitations from “energy vampires.”
• Keep your immune system supercharged. You can read more about that here.
• Make healthy choices. This may not be the time for a huge habit overhaul, but give some thought to keeping alcohol use down and healthy food choices front and center. Exercise, too. Doing so will help keep hormones in better balance, and you’ll just feel better overall.
• Don’t max out the credit card. I highly recommend NOT spending your precious time and money on more “stuff” that no one needs. Consider giving experiences. And gift cards and checks are always perfect, if not super-original! Or consider making charitable donations in honor of loved ones.
• Check in on your neighbors. Social isolation is still a big challenge, especially for the elderly. Spending the holidays alone may exacerbate the depression that people around you may be experiencing. Reach out to say hello and let others know you are thinking about them. This is a mood-lifter on its own!
• Get all family members to pitch in. YOU are not the holiday elf with full responsibility for creating the magic.
• Cut yourself some slack. The holidays are stressful enough without adding in a big dose of perfectionism or guilt. Do the best you can, and above all…have FUN!

Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season!

Depression, anxiety, and stress levels can soar during this season, thanks to extra demands, unrealistic expectations, or losses over the past 2 years. Seasonal factors, like less sunlight and changes in your diet and routine, can also play a role in your mental health.

This year, don’t worry about completing every single task on your to-do list. Take time for yourself to rest and relax. A little bit of self-care can go a long way.

Happy holidays from the Dr. Anna team! We wish you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.