15. COLD WEATHER BLUES

Depending on where you are in the world, the weather has definitely took a dramatic turn. The summer warmth is officially over, and here enters the cold fall and winter chill. This time of year, when the weather starts changing, and the holiday season approaches, always leaves me in a bittersweet state.

As much as I love celebrating the holidays, I can't help but feel a constant wave of anxiety. My social awkwardness gets the best of me as friends want to start socializing more and having festive get-togethers. I start stressing out about obligatory family dinners with my very dysfunctional family. The various holiday events I've committed myself to months prior, because I didn't have the heart to say no, is suddenly creeping up from behind the shadows. It's a lot to handle and hard to not feel overwhelmed.

I know many of you out there might feel the same or even worse. In addition to the very common seasonal affective disorder (SAD), the festive cheer might also be triggering, and serve as a reminder of very dark times. I want you all to know that if you are feeling depressed or lonely, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I will happily be a supportive ear for you to vent, cry, or talk through your feelings. There are zero judgements here and anonymity is always an option. Everything will remain 100% confidential.

I also wanted to share a few tips on how I try to manage this time of year.

1. Do at least one thing a day that makes YOU happy, doesn't matter how big or how small, or what it is. As long as you feel good about doing it. I know it's so easy to get wrapped up in all the distractions around us that we forget to think about ourselves. So here's a reminder to not forget about self care, and not forget about taking care of the most important person. You. You can't take care of anyone else until you are in a good place. Otherwise you just start to wear yourself out and that is not ideal. Your health - mental and physical, are so important.

2. Don't forget to breathe. I know this might sound silly, but oftentimes I feel my heart pounding and I'm filled with so many thoughts and emotions. It almost feels like I can't breathe. Everything feels so heavy. When things become too overwhelming and your anxiety is building up, or your stress level is rising, take a moment, and just breathe. Deep breath in, hold for 3 seconds, and exhale slowly. Repeat as often as needed. You can do this while you are working, while you are driving, or walking. If possible, you can go into a quiet room. But when things get tough, just take a few moments for yourself to process, and collect your thoughts and emotions.

3. Just say no. I know I sound like the biggest hypocrite right now, because it's much easier said than done, especially when it depends on the circumstance. But here's hoping y'all are much braver and stronger than I am. Just say no when you don't want to do something. Don't overcommit yourself to anything you are not comfortable doing. If you rather skip the party and just be at home, wrapped up in a blanket like a burrito, then do it. There's nothing wrong with that. If the holidays bring up troubling emotions and you are happier not celebrating anything, and just want to snuggle up with your pillow on the couch, that's ok too. You don't need to feel sad or guilty, like you are letting everyone else down. If your support circle is strong and genuine, they will understand.

I'm wishing all of you the very best during the upcoming season. Stay warm and stay healthy. I look forward to connecting with anyone that needs an extra friend. =)