Antidotes for a Depressing Time of Year
Around the end of January, post-holiday blues combine with bad
weather, debt, allergens, failed resolutions, and long hours of
darkness. In fact last year a scientist, using a formula of
things that make us feel bad, labeled January 24 the most
depressing day of the year.
It's a nasty feedback loop of emotions and external factors
assaulting our immune system which weakens us, and making us
susceptible to illness and emotional over-reactivity, which
assaults us further, sapping our energy. We all have our
individual moods, but when it's global, it 's hard to find
someone cheery and up beat to lift our own sagging spirits.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) peaks this time of year (
http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm) . Less hours of
sunlight triggers the over-production of melatonin, a
sleep-related hormone thought to be associated with depression.
And what's on the horizon to look forward to? Valentine's Day
with a 50% divorce rate, and nearly half the adults in the US
single, the pressure of more gift-giving, and no work holiday
due again until May.
Furthermore, our self-esteem sags as most New Year's resolutions
have been broken by now and we can't spend money, because we're
still paying off Christmas.
One thing we can do is prepare ourselves. How might you survive
this day?
1. Distract yourself. The antidote, someone said, is salt -
tears, sweat or the sea. If you can't be on a cruise January
24th, you can immerse yourself in work, have a good workout at
the gym, or shed a few tears and last it out. 2. Work on your
thoughts and self-talk. For instance, if January 24 is the most
depressing day of the year, then any other day of the year is
going to be better!
3. Gratitude. Focus on all the things you have to be grateful
for, and the angst of a single day won't matter much.
4. Sense of humor. Rent a funny video for that evening.
5. Perspective. How long can 24 hours be?
6. Use your EQ smarts and plan ahead. Schedule a massage, call
your coach, have a good book handy, book some time with a kid or
a dog, and smile!