Ten Ways to Beat the Holiday Blues

Tips for overcoming the stresses of this season of high expectation.

It's that time of year again, when into the dark little month of December we squeeze Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and myriad other celebrations. Throw into the mix a generous dose of unrealistic expectations, budget-busting shopping, darker days, colder weather, excess eating and drinking, and no wonder that along with "peace on earth, goodwill toward men," come anxiety, exhaustion, and depression.

But this year, with Omega Institute cofounder Elizabeth Lesser's soulful tips, you can do something to spin your stress into the gold that is the promise of the season.

Be Realistic

The reality of many people's holidays includes too much to do and not enough time, too much to purchase and not enough money, and too much to eat and not enough willpower. On the other hand, some people experience not enough family, fun, and friendship.

Fighting against the reality of your life at this moment will only make you bluer. Instead, be kind to yourself, seek support, and even laugh at yourself every now and then.

Create Your Own Traditions

As families change and grow, traditions change as well. For example, if you are a working woman who had a stay-at-home mother, instead of trying to reproduce the exact old-fashioned holiday of your childhood, do only what you can. As long as you do them with a joyful heart, the meals, decorations, and celebrations you create will become your family's cherished rituals.

If you are divorced, be as harmonious and generous as you can with your ex. It will be the best gift you give to your kids this year. If you are single or far away from your family, invite others into your home and give the words "extended family" new meaning.

Help Others

Not because you should, but because it is the best antidote to self-pity and seasonal sadness. Find someone who is struggling more than you are, lend them a helping hand, and remember the real meaning of the holidays.

Check out Charity & Service channel for more on how serving others is good for the soul.

Seek Sacred Space

Drop into a church, mosque, synagogue, Hindu temple, or . . . you get the idea. Sometimes just sitting in sacred space can remind you of the true meaning of the holidays.

Most places of worship welcome all people, even those just looking for a touch of grace in the midst of a stressful day. Instead of hurrying by that church you have passed a hundred times on the way to work, take a moment to enter its doors and sit quietly, imbibing the atmosphere and the prayers of its members.

Care for the Temple of Your Body

Eat well, drink a lot of water, exercise, and then be merry. Instead of making one more feeble New Year's resolution to join a gym or take a yoga class, do it right now. You will be amazed at how the smallest bit of movement will lift your spirits, and how reducing the amount of junk food, sugar, and alcohol you consume will reduce your blues.

And sleep--for goodness' sake, do whatever it takes to get enough of it. Sleep deprivation is at the root of many people's depression.

Be Financially Responsible

Don't close your eyes the next time you use your credit card. Overspending during the holidays will not only increase your stress now, but will also leave you feeling anxious for months afterward as you struggle to pay the bills.

Buck the holiday system of excessive gift-giving, and practice simplicity, creativity, and basic human kindness.

Breathe

Several times during your busy day, put down what you're holding--your shopping lists, your third cup of coffee, your date book, the phone call you should be making--and sit quietly for just 60 seconds. Take in a full breath, let it pool gently in the bottom of your lungs, and then release it slowly. Inhale deeply again, and exhale with an audible sigh.

Inhale again; exhale with a long "aaahh." With each exhalation, let your shoulders drop and your jaw relax. Do this a couple of times, with your eyes closed. Let the "aaahh" sound emerge from your belly, move up into your heart, and drift out into space as you exhale, slowly, smoothly, steadily.

Grieve

If a friend or family member has recently died, honor his or her memory. Create an altar with pictures of those you love; light candles every night for someone you have lost; play sacred music and allow yourself to cry, remember, and heal.

Forgive

Forgiveness is the salve that heals a broken spirit. Forgive all sorts of people this holiday season--those from your past, your work, your family, and the ones in the news you love to hate.

Read the stories of people (like Martin Luther King, Jr., or Pumla Gobodo Madikizela of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission) who have used forgiveness to move mountains. If they can do it, so can we.

Love...Everything

Love it all. From the corny Christmas music to the house guests who won't leave. Love even the hard times; even the cranky and crooked people of the world; even yourself, with all of your imperfections.