-
Step 1
Sit quietly for 20 to 30 minutes when feeling blue. Think about the good things that happen during the season and resolve that next year will be better. Take some time for yourself, away from holiday clutter and chaos, to breathe and get in touch with your thoughts and feelings.
-
Step 2
Reconnect with friends or family members. Call or write to thank those that gave you gifts and don't dwell on those who didn't. Have family meetings or dinners to talk about the good and bad events in your lives and gain fresh perspective.
-
Step 3
Watch your diet. A high-sugar or carbohydrate diet will send your moods swinging. If you overindulged during the holidays, make a conscious effort to regulate your diet and your mood.
-
Step 4
Get out. Go to a museum or a new restaurant, a bookstore or record store. Exercise, turn on your favorite music, sing, dance, garden, write or watch funny movies. Walk along a beach or through a park to clear stress and take time to appreciate nature. Just get out of your house and do something.
-
Step 5
Buy a few sessions in a tanning salon. The light, though no substitute for true sunlight, may boost you mood and self-esteem. Get a massage or acupuncture treatment to relieve physical stress and relax your body. When your body is relaxed your mind can follow.
-
Step 6
Ask for help and help others. Pray or attend church. See a therapist of counselor. Learn to know when you can't do it by yourself. Temporary counseling or medication may help you get to the root of the problem and get through the pain.
-
Step 7
Focus on helping others in need by re-gifting the gifts you don't need to a shelter or volunteering. But if you are overwhelmed, stop adding projects. Focus on what you can and take on projects as you have time and energy.
