Holiday Happiness: Holiday Mood Improvement Resources

Normality is a paved road; It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow. ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Each year during the holidays I try and provide some additional posts about happiness to help keep people’s moods positive during the holidays.  I do this, because for many people like myself, the holidays are often the hardest times of the year. ~ Rev Kane

So tonight I thought I would provide some resources for thinking about and improving your mood during the holiday season.  First off a really nice article from WebMD on Holiday Blues, and some tips on how to deal with them.

Similarly a piece from the Mayo Clinic, some information about causes, reasons and tips for helping you cope.

9 Tips on dealing with Holiday Depression

Finally as some one who has dealt with this issue much of his life I have some personal tips as well.  First of all, acknowledge the reality of who you are and how you feel.  You don’t have to put yourself into situations that make you feel bad.  It’s ok to skip the office or even family holiday party if all it’s going to do is make you feel shitty.   If holiday decorations are just a reminder of what you don’t have in your life, don’t decorate, or even better decorate in some offbeat and fun way.

For me, as much as I don’t like the holidays, I like gift giving.  So I start early and take extra time to buy really good gifts for people.  It gives me joy and improves my mood to give those gifts and see the joy I bring to others.  I’ve also written about the benefits of giving and kindness and their positive impact on mood.

Also, find some time to get outside to go for walks, to hike, to just spend some time in nature and clear your head.  Essentially, if this time of year is hard for you, do things that make you feel better, make them a priority, and give yourself permission to avoid the things that make you feel worse and have happier days my friends. ~ Rev Kane