The holidays look joyful on the outside, but for many people this time of year hits harder than they want to admit. You hear the Christmas music everywhere, see lights in every neighborhood, and feel surrounded by people celebrating. If you’re not in that space emotionally, it can make everything feel even heavier. This is where holiday depression shows up for a lot of people, even when they’re trying their best.
I mentioned this recently on TikTok and YouTube. I talked about how sometimes you have to shake up your routine a little if you’re feeling alone or worn down. Around Thanksgiving, I encouraged people to look for a local turkey trot or some kind of event just to get out and be around others. We’re past Thanksgiving now, but the message still applies. Small changes can help when the holidays feel overwhelming.
Running Forward: My Moments Where Running Helped
I’ve lived through those moments more than once. When my father passed away unexpectedly, I struggled (more than I thought I was looking back at it) for over a year. Running had always been something we shared, and getting back into it helped me rebuild what he saw in me and what I expected from myself. It helped me move forward when everything else felt stuck.
The same thing happened during other hard chapters of my life, including divorce. Running became a way to manage the weight of everything happening around me. There were days when I would head out for a simple training run, one I had done hundreds of times, and I couldn’t even get through it. I remember stopping because I felt overwhelmed and pulled in every direction. Those moments stay with you.
But small steps matter. Even slow steps. Running gets your heart rate up and shifts something inside. Your mind clears, your stress drops, and your body settles into a rhythm that helps you breathe again. It doesn’t solve everything, but it gives you a moment of space to take the next step.
HappyBio talks a lot about the science behind how we feel, and one of the first topics I covered was hydration and how low levels can influence mood.
But there’s more to life than biology. Faith has carried me more times than I can count. God is real and present, and remembering that you’re never alone brings a level of comfort that nothing else can replace. Even when everything feels heavy, there is something greater holding you steady.
Races help too. Even if you don’t say a word to anyone, you’re still surrounded by people who showed up, people moving toward something, people who understand what effort feels like. That kind of quiet connection makes a difference.
Understanding Holiday Depression: Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Perspective
Northern Arizona Healthcare recently explained that holiday stress, loneliness, grief, and social pressure can all make depression or anxiety feel worse. Even in a sunny place like Arizona, people still struggle during this time of year. Their article points out that busy schedules, financial concerns, disrupted routines, and the expectation to be joyful can stack up quickly. Holiday depression isn’t rare. It isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s something many people go through. Even with all our sunshine here in Arizona, this season can bring up memories, expectations, and feelings that hit harder than expected.
If you’re dealing with holiday depression right now, remember that taking one small step can help more than you think. Go for a walk. Go for a slow jog. Step outside for some sunlight. Try one small change to break the pattern.
You’re not alone in this. Not now. Not during the holidays. Not ever.