Written By Alan Good
For some, Christmas is a season of joy and cheer. Most hearts are uplifted this time of year and goodwill seems more prevalent. But for others this time of year is one of sorrow and depression. Loneliness and feeling left out of events and happenings may cause people to go further into themselves.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during a specific season, usually winter. Symptoms include feelings of hopelessness and a lack of energy. If you’re struggling with depression, talk to your healthcare provider for treatment.
Loneliness is one of the major factors of seasonal depression in seniors. Loss of a loved one, families who live far away, and the feeling of being locked in their home because of weather events (cabin fever), cause many to suffer.
A good attitude may be hard to come by, and an attitude of gratitude even harder. Regularly expressing gratitude for what we have may seem difficult, but if practiced with sincerity it can lift one’s spirit. When we change our attitude, from the heart out, we reduce stress and improve our health.
Looking at what we have, not what we do not have, can make all the difference, if done from within. Saying we are grateful is a start, but being grateful from deep within is better. When we really appreciate what we have, we can start to feel a warm glow coming from our inner self.
You can practice self-care by first getting enough sleep, eating well, and making time for downtime. Next, brighten your home by adding fresh flowers which can improve your mood. For gratitude, make a list. Write down 10 things you can do tomorrow to make your day happy and productive.
Start with the big things and work though what you have. A trick might be to use the alphabet and verbally state what you are thankful for. Small meditations like a beautiful morning (or being thankful to be alive in it), or a pet’s affection, can change you.
The proverbs state, “A happy heart (inner person) makes the face cheerful” and “The cheerful heart has a continual feast” (Prov. 15). It will seem strange at first, making a list and saying the items you are thankful for out loud. But if done from the heart, soon you will see changes. It’s got to come from the inside out.
Smile. I’m sure there is someone worse off than yourself. And finally, if you can get out, go visit someone who can’t. Take some flowers, candies, whatever. Spend some time with someone during this season. And why not continue the practice all the year.
Not just for this season, can we start now—and then increase it throughout the year—demonstrating an attitude of gratitude that turns away hatred and anger and defeats fear and sadness in ourselves, and others.
Merry Christmas!
