5 Ways to Combat The Birthday Blues

A few nights ago, I had another sleepless episode. Unfortunately, this has become my norm as I can’t seem to slow my mind at night. The more responsibilities I take on — even if they’re fun — the harder it is to sleep. When this happens, I typically take a sleep aid and read a book. That night, however, I took the sleep aid and instead decided to catch up on reading blogs.

After browsing new content, I stumbled upon this post on Alicia Tenise (lifestyle and travel blog). Alicia shared her struggle with feeling depressed around her birthday. She wrote, “Apparently, it’s something that many other people struggle with as well.” Say what? This stopped me dead in my tracks because I’m one of those people! Toward the end of the post, she shares this article — Birthday Depression Is Real: Here’s Why You Don’t Have to Feel Ashamed.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I clicked over. I knew the article wouldn’t address my issue. WRONG! Halfway down the page, there’s a list of reasons people may experience birthday depression:

Not having many friends

“As adults, it can be hard to make friends. And maybe you’ve lost close friends as time has moved on. Without close friends to celebrate with, our birthdays can be a time that highlights feelings of loneliness and isolation.” Source

Huh? I thought it was just me. I even shared the same sentiment in this post, quoted below:

“When it comes to my birthday, I don’t really like celebrating and feel super guilty asking people to. I’m an introvert in an extrovert’s clothing and do much better one-on-one. I thrive on deep connections rather than surface ones and struggle with anything else. If I don’t have a deep connection with the people I surround myself with, then I’d rather just be alone.”

With that in mind, I thought it would be valuable to share an update to last years post in case someone else is struggling with this. However, I haven’t yet made much progress.

I feel anxious having to plan and ask people to come together to celebrate. So I’ll probably keep things simple and have my husband cook dinner or do a weekend getaway. We’ve done both in the past, and it’s always a good time!

Here are some fun ideas for celebrating your birthday and combating the blues.

5 Ways to Combat the Birthday Blues

• Celebrate you (aka self-care): this doesn’t have to be elaborate. Do something outdoors: hiking, a stroll through the park, or a bike ride. If pampering is more your thing, get a massage, mani-pedi, or even freshen up your do. I’m big on taking baths and curling up with a good book.
• Plan your own shindig: if you like to go all out, plan your own party! This can be something intimate at home, or at a restaurant or club. If you like something low key, you could make plans to celebrate during the day and do something outside, or even schedule a spa day with girlfriends and go out to lunch afterward.
• Don’t compare your life to others or where you think you should be: instead, make a list of SMART goals and break things down into tangible steps. Then, make a commitment to focus on at least one of those goals. If you don’t like something about your life change it! No matter your age.
• Plan a weekend getaway: this can be with your significant other, best gal pal, or family member. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you can enjoy a day exploring your city. My mom and I did this for her birthday and had so much fun!
• Get outside of yourself: volunteer somewhere, try a new activity, find someone to connect with. I always feel better when I spend time with others and am able to converse. Interacting with people really can change your perspective and get you thinking outside the box. It can also help you appreciate the life you’ve been given. Try to connect with like-minded people — those who inspire and ignite creativity.

Do you suffer from birthday depression? If so, I invite you to share in the comments.

Shop the post:

Top: Peach c/o | Jeans: J.Crew (similar) | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry | Shoes: Easy Spirit (similar) c/o | Purse: Old Navy (similar)

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted

Photography: Nicholas Mercado