The holiday season is a difficult time for many people. Dark weather brings depression, shorter days cause fatigue, finances triggers strife, and relationship tensions can reach a breaking point at this time of year. Throw in trying to determine if you should be a surrogate or awaiting your baby as an Intended Parent, and all these factors can sometimes lead to great loneliness and sadness leaving Christmas a time to be dreaded rather than celebrated.

So, how can we combat those holiday blues?

1. Cry it out.
How can crying help a bout of holiday depression? Tears are cleansing, and crying is a good catharsis that will release pent-up stress. It’s relieving, ultimately, even though it hurts in the moment. As you happily yet anxiously enter the surrogacy process and it happens to be around the holidays, cry a bit and release your stress and fears.

2. Don’t isolate yourself.
Sadness makes a person feel alone, and they tend to isolate themselves out of shame, guilt, frustration or sadness. As you thoughtfully agree to become a surrogate mother or decide to engage in the surrogacy process, surround yourself with people who love and care about you. It’s okay to need each other.

3. Get outside yourself.
It’s a known fact that helping those who are less fortunate will help to ease feelings of depression. Showing kindness to those who aren’t used to kindness being shown to them will help you count your blessings, and realize that there truly is joy and goodness in the world. Additionally, Shared Conception is here to talk through any part of using a surrogacy agency, the process of surrogacy or other related topics as needed.

4. Get outside.
If it’s frozen and snowing where you are, simply do what you can. Bring some of the outdoors inside. Take a deep breath of brisk air–it’ll make you feel alive. If you live in a warmer climate, go for a hike. Additionally, getting a bit of exercise releases feel-good endorphins, and is a great natural way to fight sadness. Plus, moderate exercise boosts your immune system, so you’re less likely to get sick.

There are many other ways to help fight holiday sadness. If needed, what are some things you do to help you find joy during the holidays?