Easter is one of the most joyous times of the year for children and adults alike. The weather is getting warmer, days are getting longer, and all around us, plants, trees, animals and birds are showing off signs of new life. Why then do some people get the blues?
The reasons why someone may be feeling down or depressed at this time of year vary. Among children, simply realizing the Easter Bunny isn't real, which typically happens around age 8, may be enough to trigger the blues. Hormones and changes in their social environment could be to blame when teenagers or even children as young as 12 are feeling down. Stress, anxiety or changes in health is probably behind depression in adults. Changing hormones can also play a role in depression among older adults.
Regardless of the cause, the question for many is what to do about it?
According to experts, the most important thing to do when you're feeling blue is to reach out to friends and family. Although family gatherings can be part of the stress surrounding any holiday, relatives can also remind us, or even bring out, the best parts of ourselves. So make time to connect with the important people in your life, preferably face-to-face but if that's not possible at least over the phone or through a video call. And no, social media is not the same thing. Put your screen away and mingle among some real people.
Being surrounded by people we love and who love us may not be enough to break us out of a funk. For that, you may need to find a way to put the celebration back into your Easter holiday. Set aside your expectations for what Easter should be and instead look at it as an opportunity to indulge that side of your life that isn't defined by routine and responsibility. Celebrations are exercises in imagination, creativity, and mindfulness. Some of Easter celebrations that can help you beat the blues include:
Reverse Easter Eggs Hunts. Let the youngsters hide the eggs, perhaps while the adults are preparing a meal, then, after everyone's eaten, the grown-ups can hunt to the eggs which can also be part of everyone's desert. It won't get the dishes done, but it will get everyone moving, and the role-reversals may even help you see things from a different perspective.
Make Easter Baskets for troops or homeless shelters. The contents are different; however, studies have shown altruism and generosity can boost your mood. You can also make Easter cards and write notes to include in the baskets.
Take Easter flowers or baskets to elderly neighbors or senior centers. Flowers are a favorite hostess gift at this time of year. Why not share the wealth? And if you aren't hosting a gathering, flowers often go on sale on or just after Easter. Pick up a few bouquets, or better yet some live flowing plants and deliver them to those who may be alone on Easter.
Get outdoors. Too old for an Easter Egg Hunt? Spend some time picking up your yard or garden. If you don't have one, or it's already in order, consider cleaning up a park or green space nearby.
Go to church. Easter is a Christian holy day. Holiday services often attract attendees who aren't regularly seen at Sunday services so you won't stand out among all the new faces. If you've left a mainstream church, consider going back, just for one day. Easter services don't change much so they may resonate with memories that will cheer you up. Besides, it can help to unburden yourself about the things that have been weighing you down even if you only talk to God in silent prayer.
Deliver Easter treats and toys to the local animal shelter. Dog and cat treats or food are always welcome. At this time of year, shelters may also be seeing rabbits and chicks being brought in and may not have food to toys to take care of them.
When people of any age get the blues, they tend to lose perspective. It's easy to get stuck thinking about the things that make you unhappy or stress you out. It happens to everyone, even kids. Activities like those above can help you break the cycle and beat the Easter Bunny Blues!
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