Content Overview 
- Summary
- Revise holiday activities to fit your current physical and emotional condition and to include people you care about. Don't over extend yourself..
- Look at past holiday stressors to see what has previously helped you cope and move forward.
- If you are in treatment, talk to your doctor about taking time off during the holidays or changing your schedule.
- Keep your expectations realistic.
- Prioritize your activities.
- If you're not physically or emotionally up to going shopping, or you are not allowed in holiday crowds, shop online or from catalogues.
- If a money crunch is causing stress, focus on the real meaning of the holiday. Reign in spending with a budget.
- Live healthy. Don't over indulge. Exercise. Get rest.
- If you are dealing with grief, use the holidays to help finish your grieving.
- Share your feelings. As Art Linkletter said, "Laughter is the best medicine." It's okay to cry.
- Build in alone time
- Practice forgiveness
- If you're lonely... get busy. Consider volunteering.
- Accept what you can't change.
- If you make resolutions, keep them doable.
- Practice coping mechanisms, including renewing spirituality.
- If seasonal decrease in sunlight causes you to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), get treatment.
- If you are going to travel, talk with your doctor about any special travel needs. Prepare.
- Use the holiday as a time to share memories and to make new ones.
- If none of the above work for you, call your doctor or other medical practitioner.
How To Cope With Holiday Stress & Depression & Colorectal Cancer
If you're lonely... get busy. Consider volunteering.
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Holidays traditionally involve gathering with family and friends. If the family is small or distance separates, being alone does not mean being lonely.
Keeping in mind your own abilities, become active to the extent you can and consider the following ideas to help keep yourself busy:
Volunteer at Church or any of numerous organizations that provide holiday cheer to the less fortunate. Help gather toys for underprivileged children. Volunteer to provide transportation for Church services or holiday events. Giving back is a great way to lighten your load.
If you can’t be with your own family, visit a local nursing home and spread some good cheer. Raising others’ holiday spirit will certainly boost your own.
Start a new hobby or get lost in an old favorite.
Get in touch with someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
If you're single, seek out venues where singles gather, such as a church sponsored event. Check out travel packages for single people.
Be part of the activities at the local community center or senior center.
For additional information about volunteering, click here.
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