Talking to my friends lately has made one thing obvious: We’re all suffering from the blues one way or another.

It’s understandable. It’s darker earlier, we’re trying to fit in way more than usual and no one is safe in this economy. I have questions for anyone who doesn’t feel it all right now. Like first off, what is your secret? It’s only fair if you share.

Since I don’t think anyone is really immune to the blues this season seems to be bringing, here is what I am doing to fight back and keep my mental health in check.

Do less

Last week started with the Winter Hike Series in our city. Then, we had the local library branch’s holiday party on Tuesday. Wednesday brought the main library’s holiday party. We had ballet lessons on Thursday. My daughter’s very first school concert was on Friday. And Saturday was Breakfast with Santa, story time and the second hike of the Winter Hike Series. Do you know what Sunday brought? I canceled everything on the schedule. Did I feel guilty? Yes. Did I absolutely need to do it? Also yes.

So am I saying do as I say not as I do? Absolutely. I’m a total hypocrite. But there was just nothing I could cancel until Sunday, and I was completely dragging by then. I don’t want to get there again.

What does the rest of this month look like? Much less. I’m not doing as much from here on out. My partner and I discussed the homemade presents we are giving, and we cut the amount in half. And he figured out how to make some of them easier.

And the events? I honestly don’t have anything on our schedule again until the weekends. They’re not nearly as stuffed. But we can add more if we want.

I’ve for sure learned from our packed first week of December. There is nothing good that comes from trying to stuff all the holiday joy in if it results in you feeling like you have the blues.

Limit social media

I’m a social media addict. That’s part of the reason why it became my career. And there’s just always more you can do when this is your career. Limits are not my strength here.

But this month, it’s time to limit social media.

My first move was to limit how much I post. When you have the blues, you tend to not have the best judgment on what to post and what not to post. Over the last two weeks, I have posted once. I saw a trend I couldn’t resist, and it struck me as funny, high quality content. So I went with it. It came off as sad, in the end. But overall, it was fine. One post in two weeks that I overthought and decided to post seems like the right cadence at this moment.

I am commenting though. When I see there’s something of value I can add, I’m not going to resist it. Because we all need a little more support during this time of the year, so I’m going to give it.

And yes, I’m limiting my overall time on social media. Do you know what the fastest way to make me feel like I should do more during the holiday season? Looking at social media, particularly Reels. We’re all apparently struggling with budgets and making decorations out of garbage right now. It’s fascinating. I want to make all of these ideas. So yes, I can’t be trusted and need to limit my exposure to these Reels.

Real life people

As an introvert, I get into a habit of not seeing people very often. So those few times I do, it’s like visiting day at jail, and I have to tell you everything. So basically, the least healthy thing in the world.

The one good thing about our busy first week was that I did see a lot of other people. But it tired me out because it was too many people in the same places. It sucked away more energy than it helped.

So lowkey events are key. A cup of coffee. A playdate. Just little moments with someone where you can connect. Those are making the biggest difference for me, so I am in the process of seeking more of them out. Wish me luck.

Keeping an eye on myself

The fact is that mental health can slip at any moment. The blues can turn into something more devastating. So I’m looking for those signs.

I will always view medication as a victory decision rather than a failure. Because it means you are realizing what is happening and you are asking for help. How amazing is that? I’m not there yet, but I think everyone who is feeling the blues this holiday season should be on the lookout for when you hit that moment. And then remember that asking for help is the most beautiful thing you can do for yourself.

How are you handling the seasonal blues?