Holiday Blues....

Have you been seeing heightened amounts of drama or stress in yourself or the people around you? The other day I noticed that both my husband and I have this unexplainable and unjustifiable cloud that parked over our heads right before Thanksgiving. Our family is healthy, and everything is going well. What is our problem?

I realized we were separately experiencing a bit of the holiday blues. Santa Claus, good food, time off, presents, parties, how could anyone feel blue? It seems that a minor case of depression, or the ho-hums, is not that unusual this time of year.

So, being the list maker that I am, I thought up a whole list of things to do to feel better this holiday season: (the added mental comments are a fun bonus...ENJOY!)

*Don't compare yourself to others: "They seem so happy and joyful, what is my problem?" There is no pressure on you to be festive just because it's "that time of the year." (I have 4 children, seriously the only person I really compare myself to is Carol Brady!)

*Expectation is the kiss of death. We create all this expectation about how the holiday should be, or have been in the past and we end up setting ourselves up for disappointments. Stay in the present and ditch the expectations. (I want a PONY!!!!)

*Delegate. Don't try and do it all yourself, and map out ways that others can help you. Be specific and stay practical. (this is truly where I need most of my help!)

*Go light on the alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant, so it's best to try and avoid over doing the drinking because it can actually push you further down into the bummed out abyss. (believe me I speak the truth on this topic!)

*Acknowledge your feelings. I'm not talking about giving into feeling sad or unexplainably overwhelmed. I'm simply saying don't try to stuff it down or eat the fact that you are a little sad.

*Enjoy yourself. Doing something that's fun and pleasurable to you is the number one way to combat depression.

*Don't over spend. Avoid adding more stress to your life by feeling the pressure to spend beyond your budget. Make the holidays about doing things with your friends and family vs. getting presents for everyone. (insert big Dave Ramsey push here...nudge, nudge!)

*Grab a moment to be alone. Just take a minute for some quiet time, take a few deep breathes, maybe meditate, or just go read an inspiring book for 10 minutes. (where does my mind come up with this stuff...I haven't ahd a minute alone in forever!)

*Do something for someone else, like volunteer work. This will take your focus off of yourself and put it onto someone else. Not only does it feel good to do something nice for someone else, but it can give you a better perspective on your own life. (Is it wrong to think I volunteer enough at home?)

*Be thankful. Take a moment now and again to express gratitude for the things you are thankful for in your life. This can just be an easy way to remind yourself of all the great things you have in your life. (this I have no problem with. I am extremly thankful....but most of the time I can't remember for what I'm so tired!)

*Exercise. Endorphins make us feel good and it's just that simple. (ha, ha, ha...can't even comment)

*Say NO. You don't have to oblige yourself to every party and event you're invited too. (you have to be invited to say no right?)

*Watch out for the overload on unhealthy food. (yes, this includes fruitcake)

*Sleep. When you can, try to get to bed early and use the holidays to catch up on some rest. (I'm gonna sleep for 3 years after the twins leave for college....I'll have that much catch-up sleep time saved up.)

Honestly, I think this is a great list but I hardly practice any of it....which could explain a whole lot....oh, if I could only practice what I preach!

I'm taking 2008 off!

I'd love to hear how you beat the holiday blues, talk to me!