Megan PellegrinoNow that the fall semester is coming to an end, Cabrini students will shortly be clearing out their dorms and heading home for winter break.
We should be happy about break, right?
For most, the holiday season is filled with happiness and excitement, but for others not so much. I have heard of people dreading the holiday season because they feel depressed during this time of year.
Why would anyone be depressed over the holidays?
Well I have asked around and I have received many different answers.
One: The weather. People become depressed during the winter season because most people tend to stay indoors, whereas during fall, spring or summer you are more likely to go outside.
Many people hate the cold, I can admit that I am not a big fan of the harsh bitter cold air myself, but I do not let the weather get the best of me.
There are places you can go to instead of hanging out at your house, sitting on the couch and watching the TV. Sometimes, we just don’t think of places to go, so we tend to stay indoors at our house or at a friends house.
Over break, you can go snowboarding, tubing or skiing. And if you are not a big fan of those either, you can try an indoor go-karting center, plan a day trip with friends to a big city or go to a concert.
Two: Money. Since our economy is such a mess right now, many people are stressed about buying gifts, some families may experience cutting down holiday shopping, which can lead to depression.
Since most department stores are trying to come up with more ways to sell, they are advertising well ahead of time.
Don’t let holiday shopping empty out your wallet. Instead, try to save up now. Planning ahead to save money before the holidays will not only be relieving, but you’ll feel good about not spending your money on unnecessary things.
Even if you save little by little, you’ll feel better about buying mom and dad a nice gift for the holidays.
Three: Loneliness. If you have recently broken up with your boyfriend or girlfriend, the holiday season will make you feel alone, sad and lets not forget depressed!
Many people dread being alone during the holiday season, not just for Christmas, but for New Year’s Eve as well.
If you are dreading the holidays because you’re single, spend time with those who matter most to you.
Family and friends can comfort you in times when you feel like there is no one who cares for you. Surrounding yourself with those who love you will help you forget about past relationships.
Four: Change. Yes, that seems unusual, but it’s common.
For those who live on campus, some have said to be anxious and/or nervous to go home since they have been here at Cabrini for a few months.
High school friends can change after the transition of college, which may result to falling-out friendships.
For those who have recently lost a family member, trying to come together with your family after an emotional loss can be tough. To eliminate depression from change occurring, try to keep contact with your friends who you haven’t spoken to over the semester due to distance and/or time. Plan ahead to hang out with those you have been away from for awhile, instead of falling-out friendships, make them stronger.
And if you have experienced the tragic loss at a family member, stay close to those who mean the most to you.
If reminiscing on old family memories is too hard for you to do, try to think about how blessed you are to be experiencing the holidays this year, and that the ones you have lost are celebrating with you in spirit.
Five: Gaining weight. Many of us are scared to put on extra pounds during the holiday season when we visit our families and eat home-cooked meals. And without the Dixon Center being a walk away, many of us do not work out like we should while we’re home.
Don’t get nervous about gaining weight. Instead, make a mini-workout plan of your own. Don’t cut out meals that your family prepared over the holidays just because you think you’ll gain weight. Try to do a daily or weekly work out plan, or join a gym near your house.
Working out over break will give you the endorphins you need to decrease depression and feel better about yourself over the holiday season.
So with that being said, eliminate depression during winter break. The holidays are supposed to be fun, so don’t dwell on the negative.
Beat the holiday blues by going out with friends and family to different places, save money to do some holiday gift shopping, eat what you want and feel good about it by staying active and most of all enjoy yourself!
