Tips and Techniques that beat the Holiday Blues - 2007

It seems to me like 2007 was a far more stressful year for many families than 2006.

People from all walks of life report experiencing the symptoms of what is commonly called the "Holiday Blues." In my experience, clients who are recovering from an injury or coping with a chronic illness, often are feeling even more, lonely and isolated than usual and require more care and support at this time of year.

In terms of rehab, the natural healing abilities of your patients may be inhibited by the way they are feeling. And if they are suffering from the holiday blues, it can make it more difficult for them to follow your directives or participate in your sessions. It would be well to keep this in mind when assessing your patients' progress. By the same token, if you are experiencing the Holiday Blues yourself, it might have a negative impact on their sessions. In the event you do encounter these difficulties, the tips below are designed to help both you and your patients overcome them. Self-hypnosis and guided imagery as well as QUANTUM FOCUSING – my own methodology for helping people shift their perceptions and take charge of their thoughts, are all effective ways to beat the holiday blues.

Generally speaking, one of the reasons so many people experience the holiday blues is the gross commercialization of the holiday season. Others may feel more isolated and lonely during the holiday season simply because the holidays take them out of daily routine, giving them more time to think about how they are feeling about themselves, and their relationships. Patients who are confined to home or hospital, in pain or disabled, and suffer from seasonal upsets, are often dealing with more intense emotions and feelings of loneliness since they are already isolated. Recently divorced clients or those experiencing other types of loss or separation are also more vulnerable to being overwhelmed by seasonal blues. Many people coping with the holiday blues get caught up in excessive eating, drinking and drugging when they feel this way. I have found that simply reframing the way my clients view the holidays can be very helpful. Instead of focusing on their grief, loss and painful memories, I teach them to re-focus their attention on the opportunities that this time of year provides. The holiday season gives us an opportunity to consider renewing old relationships and a chance to start new relationships. Many clients have reported that getting involved with helping others really takes their minds off what is disturbing them. Other self-help strategies for you and your patients or clients include: · Staying focused on the present or fantasying about the future · Exercise · Starting a new project or hobby · Catching up on things that need to be done · Going out and being with people · Giving yourself permission to be with these feelings until they fade away

Before closing, I want to mention that many of my client's have reported that normally when they think about their fond memories it is a pick-me-up but, at this time of the year these same memories often bring up feelings of loss and disappointment. I highly recommend your helping them to focus their attention on the present, or future, and guide them in the use of imagery to help them beat their holiday blues. One final tip: Now is an excellent time for you and your patients, or clients, to begin formulating New Year's resolutions. Once again, QUANTUM FOCUSING – self-hypnosis and guided imagery – can help you and your patients/clients reach goals and keep resolutions: a sure fire way to stave off the post-Holiday Blues. Just something to think about as the holiday season moves into high gear...