Post-Thanksgiving Blues

Have you felt down in 2020?  With the mandates that were given to us from our leaders for Thanksgiving this year, you might have felt distressed as traditions were upended and gatherings became different.  Being depressed right now would not be unusual, but Paragon Orthopedic Center would like to help you with some information that could help you out of the doldrums.  The Mayo Clinic has a nice article with helpful ideas to get you out of the depression and see life in a different, better way.  Here are some of their tips, plus some of our own:

• Go to bed on time and wake up at about the same time each day.  Too much or too little sleep can leave you in a fog and disrupt your biorhythms.
• Get a little exercise every day.  Take a walk around the block before dinner!
• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.  Don’t forget some fresh fruit.
• Stay connected.  Reach out to friends and family.
• Acknowledge that you’re sad.  It’s okay to not be happy all the time.
• Be realistic.  Things cannot be the way they used to be while we’re battling Covid-19.  Acknowledge that it is sad, and then try to come up with an alternative plan.  Don’t remain stuck in sadness.
• Have a plan.  Whether it’s planning your meals so that you have all the ingredients or an interpersonal issue, anticipate things that trigger frustration and think of ways you can keep them from consuming you.
• Seek professional help if you need it.

As Paragon has noted in previous blogs, a quick way to cure the blues is to help others.  Taking your eyes off of your own troubles to help another person with theirs is very therapeutic for both parties.  And don’t forget about the children in your life, whether they are your own, your grandkids, or neighbors.  They’re likely feeling some of the grief of these changes in our society and need help coping.  Let them talk and keep them focused on what is good.  For more tips on fighting the holiday blues, here is the Mayo Clinic article:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544