To some, the Christmas season could be the saddest part of the year.

Shorter daylight, colder temperatures, and gloomy weather trigger the blues: a phenomenon scientifically known as major depressive disorder with seasonal pattern, or seasonal affective disorder.

Additionally, trying to keep up with the holiday rush, and the pressure to live up to certain holiday traditions such as giving gifts, partying, or organizing family reunions can be stressful.

While Christmas is said to be a season of giving and selflessness, there is absolutely nothing wrong in saving some love for self-care.

So here are tips that might help in bringing more peace of mind and peace on Earth this season:

1. Plan ahead, even your rest days. Take advantage of the holidays for that well-deserved sleep and relaxation. Remember, even God had to take a day off according to the Bible.
2. Learn to say no. It is not a sin to do so. To many Pinoys, saying no is a lifetime work in progress and the work is usually put on hold during the Christmas season. “Pasko naman, pagbigyan na,” or “Ngayon lang naman ito,” are how we justify compromises we later regret making. The next thing we know, we are exhausted physically, psychologically, and financially. It is okay to say no, but remember to say it nicely.
3. Learn to take no for an answer and let go. On the other side of the fence are those who wouldn’t take no for an answer in obliging someone into showing up, joining some silly parlor game, or whatever else that needs attendance. Being forced to do something is stressful. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is to let people be. Remember that people have different ways of being merry.

And with that, a meaningful Christmas to all!

Got more tips for dealing with the holiday blues? Drop us a comment or share away.

About the Author:

Tricia Zafra, RPsy is the Relationships Editor of Subselfie.com. She’s a journalist, psychologist, and university lecturer.

She’s currently a lead researcher – writer for VERA Files, a consulting clinical psychologist for Argao Psych, and a social science senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines Diliman Psychology Department.

She had a 12-year career as a broadcast journalist, working as News Correspondent and Anchor for RPN 9 and GMA 7, and as an Executive Producer for CNN Philippines. She transitioned into advocacy communications for Doctors Without Borders – HongKong, and served in the government as the Chief of Public Relations and Information Division of the Philippine Space Agency.

Her volunteer work includes providing peer support to journalists and media workers in distress. She also co-authored a mental health handbook for journalists and facilitated mental health sessions.

She’s a vegetarian, painter, licensed scuba diver, and a fur parent.

BA Broadcast Communication 2007 (cum laude), UP Diliman
MA Psychology 2020, UP Diliman
Topnotcher (Rank 2), 2023 Psychologists Licensure Examination

Read more of her articles here.