CHRISTMAS STRESS & HOLIDAY BLUES

Good and bad stress usually takes its' toll on us humans especially during Christmas Season. I've had good Christmases in the past but this year, even if it's A-okay for me, I can't help but think globally... I think of people all over the world... how Christmas 2010 will be for them. I believe for most, December 2010 is full of stress and depression.

I made a survey on a couple of friends from off-shore and in the Philippines as to what would be the usual and most common causes why we get Christmas blues, depressions and / or stress.  Hereunder are what I perceived based on my little survey as well as my own experience in the following order (top to bottom):

1.  Economic / Financial Difficulties
This is number 1. With the global economic crisis hitting major countries world-wide, millions of families face financial problems this season of love and giving. Christmas adds an extra burden to tight budgets which means, there's not enough money to buy food for the festive season, presents and clothes for Christmas. People around the world actually tend to use more money than we can afford which worsens our financial situations even more. This leads us to gain more weight, headaches, depressions and financial overdrafts after the season is over.
 
2. The Absence of a Loved One
Despite of the merry-making with family and friends, we can't help thinking of some beloved persons in our lives who are far away which brings us loneliness and depression. Even when we see everyone else having a good time, we just couldn't help but feel the pang of yearning, missing them thus; this situation can get worse. 

3. Physical Fatigue
We usually get intense stress everywhere that we tend to feel there are so many things to do in such a period of time. Even though we try to make activities pleasant and enjoyable for others, various situations can take its' toll on our bodies i.e., Christmas rush, traffic, shopping amongst millions, the inability to find the apt gifts for loved ones, presence in social parties and other obligations. 


All top 3 reasons bring emotional disorder to each and everyone of us. I, for one, am starting to feel it and so I believe that it is very important to acknowledge these reasons why people tend to be stressed out and depressed during the holidays because all it takes for each individual to survive Christmas stress is love and understanding. 

Emotional support... patience, love and understanding from our families and loved-ones can help fight depression and stress during the holidays.

Life and things in life are not  perfect... it is not as beautiful as seen on TV and movies. We shouldn't expect too much from it. Life is simply unpredictable that the only way to make us happy is focus on things that are most important to us and live each day thinking positive for a better future. Breaking free from the past.... preparing for better years to come is all that I'm going to think of this holiday season 2010.


May I remind everyone that in the past, we made Christmas too materialized.... it's not about the money... it's all about the time and thoughts spent with family, friends and loved-ones that matters most to them. Cheers! 

I'd like to say advance Merry Christmas to all my readers just in case I forget to do so later on! :)

SOLITUDE

City life tears me apart once in awhile. I get burned out and I seek... solitude.



There are times when I seclude or isolate myself completely from the world. Failed relationships, bad choices, stress, being so far away from home, circumstances at work, health problems greatly contribute to this and I find myself seeking refuge in nature.

I felt like needing the mental and physical seclusion. Solitude... comes to mind for me to think or rest without being disturbed. Being isolated from distractions make it easier for me to concentrate, reflect, meditate and contemplate about my life. I seek to be alone and although solitude is entirely different from loneliness, solitude for me in this sense, is positive.



Privacy... is a luxury and every time I get the chance to get away from all and be close to nature, is a grand vacation enough. Solitude heals me and so it will with you.

Thanks, Vincent Garrucho and Mark Longos for the photos.
Location: Port St. Michel, Batangas, Philippines