Regional Health Department Offers Tips For Holiday Blues

The regional health department that serves several area towns — including Simsbury, Canton, Farmington, and Avon — recently released tips to help folks struggling with holiday loneliness.

While most associate the holiday season with joy and celebrations, that isn't always the case, according to Farmington Valley Health District Community Health Program Associate Anna Larson.

"As the year comes to an end, holiday events, gatherings, and obligations start to loom. For some of us, this is a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and good cheer, but for others, there is a build-up of anxiety," wrote Larson on the FVHD's website.

"There are the complexities of family relationships to navigate, holiday shopping, gift giving, a packed social calendar, and end-of-year requirements."

Based in Canton, the FVHD serves the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford, and Simsbury.

According to Larson, grief and loneliness, coupled with the pressure and hustle-bustle of the holiday season, can turn a positive into a negative experience for many.

But, Larson writes, there are some things you can do to battle the holiday blues. They include:

• Be good to yourself

• Know you are not alone and get connected.

• Rethink your expectations.

• Cultivate gratitude.

• Give to others.

For more information on how folks can cope with holiday stress and loneliness, click on this link.

For more information on the Farmington Valley Health District, click on this link.