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Beat The Holiday Blues

Happiness is not a matter of events. It depends upon the
tides of the mind.

- Alice Meynell -

During the holidays, many people find themselves experiencing sadness, disappointment, or depression. These emotions can last for a fleeting moment or for an extended period of time. Some causes for this discontent include financial stresses, family tensions, too much to do, expecting "everything to be perfect," the pressure to be joyous, and, a big one for many people - a heightened sense of loneliness. However, these causes do not have to result in having "the holiday blues." Below are 12 ways to lessen those unhappy feelings, whether momentarily or longer, so you can enjoy this time of year.

1. Help others. When we help others, we focus less on our own problems and more on what we can do to assist those in need. So volunteer at a senior citizens' center, homeless shelter, children's hospital, or another charitable organization in your community. Lift someone else's spirits, and you will also lift your own.

2. Be grateful. It is easy to get caught in the trap of being envious of what others have or receive as gifts, especially at the holidays. If you find yourself having such thoughts, take a moment to shift your thinking and instead, be truly grateful for what you have. Consider things like good health, food to eat each day, wonderful friends, a safe place to live, even plans for a brighter tomorrow.

Take the time to write the things you are grateful for in a gratitude journal and refer to it often to lift your spirits.

3. Make someone's day in an unexpected way. Pay for the groceries for the person behind you at the checkout counter. Give your restaurant server an unexpected large tip. Pay the toll for the driver in the car behind yours. Consider how you can put a smile on the face of your mail carrier, hair stylist, or even a perfect stranger. Knowing that you have surprised someone can be a truly uplifting experience.

4. Create a great gift for a special friend, neighbor, business colleague, or co-workers. Yes, I did say create. Remember the joys of being a child and actually making homemade gifts. Well, you are not too old to be a child again. Do something you are good at and can share with others like baking cookies, drawing a picture, writing poetry, making a special holiday punch, etc.

5. Watch a great, uplifting holiday or non-holiday movie. Stay away from the romantic types that can leave you feeling lonely and depressed; instead, think about some truly inspiring movies. My personal favorites are It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Akeelah & the Bee, Rocky, The Bucket List, Pursuit of Happyness, Forest Gump, and Remember the Titans. Google "inspirational movies" for a list of films you can consider renting.

6. Make exciting plans for next year. The key here is the word "exciting." You are never too old, and it is never too late! Consider people like Virginia Hudson, a mother of three grown sons, who decided to go to college at age 58 to pursue her dream of being a teacher; Morgan Freeman, the Oscar-winning actor, who learned to fly at age 64; Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Body, who decided to take art classes at age 70; and Ada Gibson, a great-grandmother living in England, who confronted a lifelong fear of water and learned to swim at 75. Think big ... think bold ... think brilliant. Then take the time to write out your goals and detailed steps on how you plan to make your aspirations become a reality. If necessary, do research on what you need to do to proceed.

Also, if you are in the Metro-Atlanta area, make plans to attend a new ground-breaking motivation program that Dr. Torri Griffin and I are presenting on December 30 as well as in January and February. You will leave motivated to pursue your plans and goals by the powerful messages and concepts we will share. For information and to register visit www.JustGetSerious.com/2010.htm.

7. Create a vision board of your dreams and plans. After doing #6, create a visual representation of your goals, by making a collage of pictures from magazines, newspapers, and other printed medium. Add inspirational words, motivational quotes, and photos of yourself and those important to you. When completed, hang your board in a private space where you can see it regularly to motivate and inspire you to move forward on your goals and plans. If you would like more information, please email me at Donna@JustGetSerious.com.

Also you can make plans to attend one of my exciting vision board classes in the Metro-Atlanta area. For details and dates, please visit www.VisionBoardClass.com.

8. Write thank you notes to people who went out of their way to help you either this year or in the past, and who you did not fully acknowledge their efforts at the time. Many of us have friends, family members, business colleagues, co-workers, or other individuals who really helped us out at some point and made a tremendous difference in our lives. Now would be a good time to truly thank them or to thank them again for what they did for you.

9. Read an exciting book from a category you would not normally select. If you usually read personal development books, try a novel. If you regularly read novels, try an autobiography. If you do not normally read suspense stories or mysteries, then try them. Also consider the topics of spirituality, politics, or science if those are areas you generally would not read.

10. Get in touch with "long-lost" neighbors, teachers, co-workers, managers, or other people who were important to you over the years but who you lost touch with. Reconnecting with valuable people can be a uplifting experience as you find out what they are up to now, and you explain what you are doing today.

11. Discover or rediscover your creativity. Decide to spend some "alone time" painting, drawing, writing poetry, or a short story. You can also try knitting or cooking a gourmet meal. Keep in mind there are many "create it" kits for adults to make a variety of things, including wine, jewelry, candles, soap, etc. Consider purchasing one and making something for the fun of it.

12. Plan to use your solitary time away from home in interesting ways. Consider visiting museums, browsing through art galleries, going to an exciting play, relaxing at a day spa, reading through magazines at the library, taking a book or your laptop to Starbucks and reading or working there. These are just a few things for you to think about doing. Make your plans early so you don't find yourself stuck in the house feeling miserable.

If you try these suggestions and you still feel sad or depressed, get professional help. It can be in-person or via the phone, which ever works best for you. Check with faith-based organizations, the medical facilities and/or mental health centers in your area. Many offer complimentary classes or a special hotline during this time of year. Get the help you need, so you can feel better and enjoy this wonderful season.

Donna Satchell, President of STARR Consulting & Training is a speaker, trainer and author. She provides programs in customer service, team-building, time management, public speaking as well as motivational speeches which inspire individuals to live more successful lives. Please visit www.JustGetSerious.com for information about products and services as well as to view videos of Donna’s speeches. Contact her at 770-498-0400 or Donna@JustGetSerious.com.

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