SAN ANTONIO — The holidays are an exciting and uplifiting time for most of us. But there are ways to avoid the holiday blues for those who aren't as fond of the holiday season.
"It can bring some memories of those past loved ones. So it can be overall very stressful, which can result in anxiety, depression, and even some fatigue," said Dr. Jesus Jimenez who is a primary care physician with University Health. He says you need to find out if these are normal feelings, or something you need to act upon. He added, "It can be normal to have those mild, intermittent feelings of sadness and anxiety. The problem is when it's starting to interfere your quality of life, your relationships, your work."
Dr. Jimenez says ways to boost that mood include lifestyle changes like regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding social isolation, seeking support from your family and friends, and avoiding or limiting alcohol use. "Alcohol is a depressant. It's a substance. So it's going to get you a little bit down. Might make you feel a little bit better. But that rebound feeling of sad might be worse," said Dr. Jimenez.
If you must have a drink, the key is drinking in moderation. Dr. Jimenez told us, "Drinking in moderation is recommended especially for men. No more than two drinks per day. Ladies, no more than one a day. I think some people overdo it, especially during those holiday celebrations."
For more from Dr. Jimenez about how to avoid the holiday blues and how seasonal affective disorder can play into it, check out this story on KENS5.com.
For more information about family health call 210-358-3045. You can also find the rest of Wear The Gown stories, just go to WearTheGown.com.