With so many people struggling with economic uncertainty, this year’s holiday blues can be especially difficult to overcome.  Many people are coping with job loss and financial insecurity so the added strain of gift buying can exacerbate an already difficult time during the best of years.

Rather than focus on the negative, this added strain could be transformed into an opportunity to shift focus to the true meaning of the holiday – the spirit of love and connection – and take the focus off of the anxiety of the season’s fiscal demands.

Yahoo Canada’s Lifestyle section has a list of 6 ways to beat the holiday blues.

• Fortify yourself: When you’re feeling down, you might skimp on nutrition. Some people will be tempted to dull the sting of sadness with unhealthy comfort foods or alcohol. But it’s during times of stress that your body especially needs nutritious food and healthy eating habits. Even if you’re very stressed or feeling down, make eating regular, healthy meals a top priority. Drink plenty of water, and think of enhancing your diet with a multivitamin.
• Relax: Feelings of anxiety and sadness take a real toll on the mind and on your overall health. Carve out a time in each day for true relaxation. But don’t plop in front of the TV or huddle under your comforter. Real relaxation takes mindfulness and calm concentration. Deep breathing exercises or meditative practices can give your mind time and space to regenerate, soothing anxious nerves and hopefully energizing and resetting your mood.
• Get moving: Exercise has been noted as a great way to beat the blues. Ask a friend to be your fitness buddy and it can be a great way to strengthen friendships. Dr. Michael Sachs of Temple University remarks on the added benefit of buddying up when you workout. “The social aspect is important – it can help to uplift you, and break feelings of isolation.”
• Reflect: Write in a journal or on an online blog to describe the emotions you’re feeling. By analyzing your thoughts and reflecting on your mood and the reactions you’re having to the approaching holidays, you may shed light on the why’s of your feelings. Make a list of things about the holidays that upset you or cause you the strongest feelings of sadness. See if you notice patterns and if you can make your list actionable. Change “I hate being so far away from my parents” into a goal for next year to save up money to visit your family.
• Create your own traditions: If you feel down because of your religious or ideological opposition to the winter holidays, create your own annual traditions for this time of year. Set up a dinner party with friends, go on a trip, or involve yourself in charitable works for causes you’re passionate about. Build your own niche for this time of year so you have something special to look forward to or absorb your interest.
• Seek help: There’s no need for you to go it alone. If your feelings of sadness or hopelessness become more serious (i.e., if they are severe and are interfering with your work or your relationships) , talk to a mental health professional. In addition to getting professional help, you can also take advantage of resources in or around your own community to help you get through a rough emotional time.

Read the entire article here.

Personally, I am also a big fan of volunteering.   The best way to beat the blues is to take the focus off your own problems for a while by helping someone else.   A good way to get our of our own way is to lend a helping hand to another in need.  Contributing time to an altruistic cause is guaranteed to make your day.  My most memorable Thanksgiving was the one I spent delivering meals for God’s Love We Deliver.   Remember, no matter how bad we think we have it, there is always another person who would be grateful for the problems we have.  I also volunteer with New York Cares.  If you’re not in the New York area, VolunteerMatch.org is a great site to find places where you can contribute your time and create value.

If you are really struggling this holiday season, try not to dwell on negative thoughts, spend time helping someone else remember that “this too shall pass.”

Thanks for reading.

Happy Holidays.