Holiday Blues with Tumblr

The mornings are getting darker. The evenings are, too. It’s a little chillier, don't you think? Well, if you start feeling a little blue around the holidays, we might have something for you. We call it Holiday Blues, and it’s back for 2023. 

You probably know the score by now. If you don’t, here’s a little intro to make your acquaintance. We are partnering with social good brands, mental health experts, and mindfulness aficionados to bring you the essential winter toolkit—and help you thrive during the darker months. Enough is happening right now to feel overwhelmed without these LONG, drawn-out days. If you suffer from S.A.D. (AKA seasonal depression) or struggle to offer yourself the right self-care, Tumblr and friends are bringing these small acts of nourishment straight to you. It takes very little time, very little energy, and doesn’t cost a thing.

How does it work? Easy-peasy. If you turn up, we will look after you. Over the coming weeks, we have classes tailor-made for TLC: space meditations, movement, music, and self-care.

What’s happening?

Mindful Mondays: Out-of-this-world mindfulness session for a calming start to your week with @nasa.

Wellness Wednesdays: Mood-boosting quizzes from @kokobot, playlists, and tips.

Flex Friday: A five-part series on tenderness with Indwell Collaborative.

Self-Care Sunday: Reflections on affirmations, trust, friendship, and a focus on mental wellness with @therapyforblackgirls. 

Some tips: 

SHOW UP! And we’ll take it from there.

No stress necessary. Leave your worries at the door

Make time for YOU! There’s always time for some self-love.

It’s YOUR healing journey, and you do it your way.

One final note:

Like, share, be there. It’s all good vibes, and it’s for everyone on Tumblr. Help us beat the holiday blues by using #holidayblueswithtumblr, and share Monday’s meditations, a tip or trick from Wellness Wednesday, the feel-good from Flex Friday, or some soothing soul nourishment from Self-Care Sunday. 

#holidayblueswithtumblr

Monday, November 27.

Holiday Blues 2023.

It's not just November, nay, it's nearly December. The mornings are getting darker. The evenings are, too, and it's only getting chillier. The holidays approach, as the holidays are wont to do. And we know that this is not good news for everybody. In fact, the seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.) struggle is real, and if you're finding these first days of winter difficult, you're not alone. Far from it, in fact.

Well, fancy that. If you suffer from holiday blues, we've got one or two things that might be of help to you. It's Holiday Blues, from @postitforward, and it's back for 2023.

This one is for you, you who find only pain in this season of cheer

I can't make your pain better but I can tell you I know you're out there

Silently scrolling past holiday posts

Sitting in your car until it's too cold to bear

Perhaps the only gift you receive is relief in the form of a drunken stupor

All I can say is you deserve better

We deserve better

Maybe it'll be different next year

Maybe

Sometimes Christmas isn’t merry or bright 🖤 I honestly love this time of year, it’s my favorite. But it’s also one of the hardest times of year to get through sometimes and this year is definitely one. I’ve been trying to be festive but I gotta be honest, I am not have a good time 🙃 things are downright awful. Anyway, during this magical and festive time, keep a place in your heart for those that are struggling to get through 🖤 and feel free, if you’d like, to vent in the comments if you’re going through it too. • • • #christmastime🎄 #christmastimeishere #christmas2022 #ᴄʜʀɪsᴛᴍᴀs2022 #christmaslettering #holidaylettering #christmasblues #holidayblues #brushlettering #brushletteringpractice #lettering #letteringpractice #moderncalligraphy #moderncalligraphypractice #handlettering #handletteringpractice #procreate #procreateart #procreatedrawing #procreatelettering #ipadlettering #ipadletteringprocreateapp #ipadcalligraphy #chrystalizabeth_ipadlettering https://www.instagram.com/p/CmZrb4fvM0v/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Tip 3 - Help yourself by helping others

Reclaiming Joy: Navigating the Holiday Season Beyond Social Media Shadows

@ 2023 Rhys Ayr-Cullen

The festive season, bridging the end of one year and the start of another, carries a dual nature. On one hand, it's a time for joy, reflection, and creating meaningful experiences. On the other, it can bring a wave of stress, anxiety, and even despair. This contrast arises from the immense pressure and expectations wrapped up in the idea of “the season to be jolly.” The phenomenon of festive FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is real, where it’s all too easy to feel like everyone else is enjoying idyllic celebrations with their loved ones, while you’re just trying to get by.

Social media amplifies this sense of FOMO during the festive season. As we browse through perfectly crafted images and posts, it’s natural to feel that our own lives don’t measure up to the joy others seem to be experiencing. This can lead to a mistaken belief that you're alone in feeling anxious, lonely, or despondent, while others are lost in festivities. This constant comparison can trap us in a harmful cycle of sadness and anxiety, leading to even more emotional distress.

However, there's a silver lining - there are steps you can take to counteract festive FOMO and live a fulfilling life that’s true to you.

Plan for Festive Stress: Reflect on past festivities to identify your main stress triggers. Develop proactive strategies to address these. For instance, if you dread certain family questions, prepare brief, confident responses in advance.

Live According to Your Values: Determine what’s truly important to you and engage in activities that reflect these values. Approach the festive season with a clear idea of what you hope to gain from it, whether it's nurturing important relationships or recuperating from a challenging year.

Let Your Own Values Guide You, Not Other's ‘Shoulds’: Participate in events and undertake tasks that resonate with you, rather than those imposed by societal or personal pressures.

Limit Social Media: Identify the aspects of your social media use that lead to unhealthy comparisons and set goals to reduce this usage.

Practice Mindfulness: Use the festive downtime to enhance your ability to live in the present moment, benefiting you throughout the year.

Slow Down and Savour the Moment: Take time to enjoy each moment, finding something in it to appreciate.

Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly practice gratitude to help appreciate your life more and reduce the tendency to compare it to others.

Develop Distress Tolerance: Learn to accept and move through uncomfortable emotions rather than avoiding them.

Embrace the Essence of the Festive Season: Engage in activities that help you feel part of a community and transcend self-focus.

Maintain Personal Health: Prioritise your physical and emotional health through adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relaxation.

In addition, our engagement with social media doesn’t cease during the festive season. We often find ourselves sneaking a peek at our feeds, even amidst family gatherings. Seeing friends and family celebrate in grand, joyous ways can evoke feelings of sadness or stress. This ‘festive FOMO’ especially affects those away from home or working during the festive season, amplifying feelings of isolation.

The digital age can also contribute to the ‘festive blues’ - a state of anxiety or sadness during the Christmas season. As highlighted by UC Davis Health (formally known as The University of California), unrealistic expectations about ourselves and idealised family scenarios often seen on social media are common triggers. Time spent on social media can escalate this stress, affecting our social skills and emotional wellbeing, disconnecting us from real-world interactions.

Social media can be a form of escapism during Christmas, offering a respite from prying questions of relatives. However, this escape should not exacerbate stress.

Whether celebrating alone or with others, it’s vital to prioritise your well-being. Reducing or temporarily ditching social media can help avoid envy and promote genuine connections. This festive season, consider embracing real-world experiences, like a staycation, instead of experiencing it through your phone screen.

By adopting these approaches, you can navigate the festive season with empathy, intention, and a deeper connection to what truly matters.

Coping with Grief: Ideas for surviving this Holiday Season

View On WordPress

Sometimes meeting the animals you love face to face on holiday just sucks. Meeting your beloved holiday animals in person can be a real eye-opener. Let's just say, sometimes it's better to keep the distance and admire them from afar.

#Repost - @spicethestyle by @palais_bahia still your best 🦋💙 outfit crochet top : @asos skirt : @topshop sandals & bag : @primark #bahiapalace #holidayoutfit #ootd #ootdfashion #marrakeshstyle #morocco🇲🇦 #vacationmode #hijabista #hijab #hijabfashion #summeroutfit #holidayblues #silkscarf #satinscarfmurah #coord #crochet #sandals #ootdhijab #outfitinspo #explorepage #explorepage✨ #modestfashion #modestfashionista (at Bahia Palace) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp3Ui9_t8sq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Christmas lights 🌈 #birdsonearth #toobrighttosee #blindedbythelight #birdplanet #birdlovers #holidayblues (at Catalina Foothills, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmVmXjGL7DI2dGgFm0UmoIu5bc82E6eqWqrX900/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Feeling the weight of the holidays?? The Christmas blues are on the front door? Check out the new episode this Wednesday for some tips and tricks on making the holidays a bit less stressful. Check out the holiday issue of @crlmagazine that gave us a little recognition!! Thanks to all who have listened and supported us in some way this past year. We are grateful for you all. Tune in every Wednesday for a new episode #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthpodcast #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalillnessawareness #holidayblues #stressmanagement #applepodcasts #spotifypodcasts #googlepodcast #nippertown #podcastersofinstagram #tipsandtricks #mentalhealthtools #surviving #wellness #holidaystressrelief #letstalkmentalhealth #endthestigmaofmentalillness #stopthestigma #bethebestyou #neverunderestimatethepowerofyou #onedayatatime #stayabove https://www.instagram.com/p/CmFqMQqMJfe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hey you! 👋

We are back into it this autumn with some Wellness Wednesdays, and we would like to wish you a very warm welcome back.

We are making our way into the colder days, one step at a time. If you need a little help to look after your well-being, Wellness Wednesdays might just do the trick. We are here with some helpful resources, including mood-boosting quizzes and sunny playlists for the darker months.  

First things first. Let’s get things started with the fine folk from @kokobot, who has kindly provided this interactive quiz to keep you in good mind. And if you’re struggling through these longer days, why not click here to start an anonymous chat with Kokobot, access further resources, or share what’s on your mind?

Don't forget to check out the rest of the classes this week

P.S. Did you miss our event on Monday? Don't worry, we got you covered.

This time last week I felt much warmer ☀️ #holiday #holidayblues #tikidagarden #travel (at TUI BLUE Riu Tikida Garden) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl_gvbdKVQw/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Today is a new day. Do something positive with it. #https://nskn.co/7k1qeKpositivevibes #recovery #kindness #holidayblues (at Hotel Elegante) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clbdc98rLcb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

During this time of year, more than any other point in the year, it appears as though it is "easy" to become easily overwhelmed by life, to be overcome with grief and loss of loved ones, or feeling stuck with all that coming up not knowing what to do to get out of the rut. The good news is that it is easy to implement simple, yet effective alternatives and practices to help you bounce back from the "holiday blues." And when you do bounce back, you will be prepared and excited to conquer the next challenge you've set for yourself, or the next goal you want to achieve. 💪💗 Do you need help, support or guidance with this? Transformation doesn't happen overnight; but with the support of those who genuinely want to see you WIN, it just may speed up your "progress." Visit our website using the link in our bio to join us for our upcoming intensive Mastermind programs. https://awakentoyourtruth.weebly.com/transform--live-full-out.html#/ . . . #AwakenToYourTruth #holidays #holidayseason #holidayblues #bounceback #overcome #celebrateyourself #celebratelife #win #winningmindset #transformation #transformyourmind #transformyourlife #empowerment #empowered #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #mastermind #motherdaughterduo #motivation #inspiredliving https://www.instagram.com/p/ClFuPtEu2Gz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

So... we know we are a social media platform. However, if you struggle with loneliness over the holidays, it's a good idea to take a break from your socials over the next month.