By MICHELLE MAN
Published: December 20, 2007
IT'S SO EASY TO GET the holiday blues. Hours of shopping and traveling leave us exhausted, not to mention the thought of exorbitant credit card bills to come in a few weeks. Cold weather and dwindling sunlight make it easy to feel down. Some of us are far from loved ones and need to face the holidays alone. So what can you do to conjure up some holiday cheer?
There are so many things that we tell ourselves we want to do but never get around to. Carve some time out of your holiday schedule to do something you truly enjoy, whether it be reading a novel from your favorite author, doing some artwork or taking a morning hike. If you feel inspired, go do something goofy that you normally wouldn't do in your everyday life!
Holiday stress can get to any of us. Remember to take some time to do absolutely nothing. Close your eyes, relax, and sleep in. Or take a nap when you're feeling a tinge of stress.
Don't stay cooped up inside. Remember to get some fresh air and sunshine everyday, weather permitting.
Holidays can be very stressful because of all the work involved — shopping, cooking, organizing events, wrapping presents. It's especially stressful if you're the only one doing it. Make sure you spread the work around and don't overcommit.
Loneliness can make anybody feel blue. Spend quality time with the people you care about. Plan some special activities that will make the time memorable, whether it be playing football in your neighborhood park or baking cookies together at home. If your loved ones are too far away to see in person, give them a call and tell them how much they mean to you.
No, don't just exercise to offset the extra calories from office parties, family get-togethers, and other sumptuous events that happen this time of year. Exercise because it naturally makes you feel better by releasing endorphins and elevating your mood. You can even make exercise a chance to meditate and do some self-reflection.
There's something about giving to others that makes our hearts feel warm. Giving is not just about material objects. Give a kind word to someone you normally don't talk to, or give some time to help a friend on a difficult project. Find volunteer opportunities to help people in your community in need.
Perhaps the best way to fight the holiday blues is to appreciate the good things you do have going in your life. What people, circumstances, and things in your life are you grateful for?