The year-end holiday season is once again upon us! While most might be looking forward to the shopping and festivities, the holiday season brings its own set of challenges. Some countries report a rise in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a seasonal depression triggered by the lack of sunlight during the autumn or winter. While that might not be a problem in sunny Singapore, the pressure to be joyous and included in gatherings may be overwhelming to some said private counsellor James Leong in a interview with Today¹.

To avoid getting swept up in the hubbub of it all, I’m writing this article to remind everyone how to stay grounded amidst the Christmas frenzy.  

Self-care for the soul

Set aside your expectations of what the perfect holiday should be like because it doesn’t exist! Instead, focus on doing the things you love. Curl up in bed with a good book, go outdoors for a walk or join me in catching up on some gaming. 

It’s been a long year. You did so much. Be kind to yourself, disengage from work and others to just reflect on everything that happened in 2023. I’ve found journalling to be helpful in sorting out my thoughts and use the Day One journal app so I can type down my feelings on my phone wherever I am. Jot down the moments that defined your year, both good and bad. This exercise teaches us to be grateful for each of these experiences in shaping the person we are today.

Get inspired by stories from other Singaporeans over at the Tapestry Project, a mental health publication filled with hope and encouragement.

Unplug from social media

Time to put down your phone and walk away from your laptop. Take a break from the usual doomscrolling and enjoy real life moments. Excessive use of social media has been linked with increased loneliness and the fear of missing out².These negative feelings are likely to increase during the holiday season with others posting about their travels or holiday gatherings.

Do yourself a favour and go on that social media cleanse. To help, we’ve put together a guide to start your digital detox so you can start 2024 feeling fresh! Personally, I’ve taken extreme measures like deleting all social apps off my phone, but you don’t have to go full on cold turkey. Temporarily block access to any pesky social media apps using AppBlock to set aside time every day to be present in the now.

Embrace the holiday spirit your way

Feeling recharged from that bout of distraction free self-care? Good, because it’s time to soak up them holiday vibes. The first step is to research and plan what new holiday activities to enjoy this year. Having a plan allows you to set boundaries so you don’t get overwhelmed, giving you more time to enjoy yourself at your own pace.

I recommend doing a tour of all the Christmas lights set up around town. From the iconic display at Orchard Road to the fields of poinsettias at Gardens by the Bay, it’s a gorgeous sight to behold. Alternatively, show some love to your friends and family by making them a card. You can DIY a physical card or save paper and send an e-card using one of Canva’s many helpful Christmas templates.

Of course, an end-of-year party is also in the cards if you’re up for it. Family gatherings can be stressful but when done right can reinforce emotional support and reduce anxiety³. For a more intimate setting, keep the guest list small so you can cook less too. Learn how to make your year-end feast healthier with these cooking tips.

Don’t be afraid to seek professional help

You might feel that no matter what you do, the holiday blues just won’t go away. Know that you are not alone, and you can always reach out for help.

I’ve been trying out mindline.sg, a government supported stress management platform that has tailored resources for a variety of life stages. You can even chat with an AI penguin buddy that provides personalised tips as well as simple exercises that might help lift your mood. You can also get professional help from a trained medical staff through health ecosystems like Singlife’s Care Collab which gives you access to specialist doctors and useful health resources for continued support all year round.

If you prefer to speak with a real person, you can reach the Samaritans of Singapore on their 24-hour hotline at 1767 or the Institute of Mental Health at 6389 2222. If you or someone close to you is in distress or immediate danger, dial 995 as soon as possible.          

What matters most is that you don’t give up. Focus on getting the support you need because it can get better over time.

Happy holidays from me to you

I really hope that you find joy and rest this holiday season. 2023 has been a roller-coaster ride for the entire world but we made it. Take the win and celebrate, you deserve it. Here’s wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year from the entire team at Singlife.

^Notes

^{1. Source: Today, “S’pore unaffected by seasonal depression but mental health issues can strike amid festivities: Experts”, accessed on 21 November 2023.} 

^{2. Source: Current Opinion in Psychology, “Social media use and well-being: What we know and what we need to know”, accessed on 21 November 2023.}

^{3. Source: Highland Springs Specialty Clinic, Singapore. “The Top Ten Benefits of Spending Time With Family”, accessed on 21 November 2023.}