You know how some people get all holly jolly for the holiday season? I've got a secret: To me, it's not the most wonderful time of the year.
It's not that I don't like the freshly fallen snow (I do! Perfect for sledding, which is one of my favorite things to do), or holiday music (Mariah Carey's "All I want for Christmas" is my jam), or cuddling up to watch Home Alone (best holiday movie, hands down); I don't have an explanation. I just tend to feel sort of down when November comes to a close, and it doesn't really go away for a few months. It's nothing major, really- little errands start to feel like a real pain, holiday get togethers sound exhausting, and, ok, I start to really miss home. I've got the holiday blues.
According to this article, feeling like this around the holidays is not all that uncommon. If you've got the holiday blues, here are five ways you can kick them to the curb:
1. Laugh. Watch your favorite funny movie. A few favorites of mine (click for funny scenes) are Wedding Crashers, The Break Up, Bridesmaids, Rat Race, Mean Girls, The Hangover, and if you like old comedies I found Some Like it Hot in its entirety.
2. Sign off social media. There's a beautiful quote that says "The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel," and never has it been more true when we've got facebook, twitter & instagram feeds to scroll through. Sign off, and meet up with a friend in person instead.
3. Help others. Sometimes the best way to feel good is to help others. Volunteer at an animal shelter or soup kitchen, or participate in random acts of kindness.
4. Try something new. Give snow boarding a go or try a hot yoga class if you've never been, or make a reservation at a restaurant you've never tried before.
5. Read something light. Quick, easy reads that I've enjoyed include The Help, The Book of Joe, and The Saving Graces.
Remember, the choice to feel good is always yours. Do what you can to take care of yourself and feel gratitude for all you have in your life. That is the foundation for a life of abundance. It is important to note, however, that there is a difference between feeling bummed out around the holidays and having full on depression so if you think you might have the latter, please seek professional help.