How to Avoid The Holiday Blues: Sadness, Anxiety and Stress

First of all, take a deep breath in and slowly out from your nose. Keep your eyes focus in front of you and not all around you. Try working out a plan that fits your budget, wallet, family and situation.

Planning ahead of time can ease tension and anxiety. Taking breaks during the day, such as, a cup of tea, doing house chores, and getting your mind off the idea that everything has to be perfect. Be thankful and give gratitude each day for the many blessings in your life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gratitude
• Present
• Focus
• Plan

1. Read famous and inspiring quotes:
   
   The Best and Most Beautiful things in the World cannot be Seen or even Touched They must be felt with the Heart. -Helen Keller
   
   Start by thinking a ahead of time of your shopping needs. Set things in priority. What gifts would be most easy to give and why? Gift Certificates, already packaged gifts, gift bags that you can just stuff without wrapping.
   Right now plan simple meals that are healthy and delicious during these stressful times. Buy already made chicken, salads, and healthy frozen items. The idea here is simplicity.
   
   Listen to Christmas music and joyful music that uplift your spirits. Take walks in the morning or evening. If you can invite a friend along, whether it be a person or pet, it will make your walk more enjoyable. Most of all watch what you think and what you eat right now.

2. Take some time when everyone is sleeping, and you have quiet time to reflect. Write down some ideas and think about positive ways of making your life more easier. What goals you want to achieve in the near future. Be realistic.
   Doing things in increments such as, having a one to three hour time frame during the day will help tremendously. Such as, wash car at 9 am, then do laundry at 12noon, grocery shopping at 3 pm, and so.

3. Right now is the time to think about what you can do and how you can improve on aspects of your life that need some TLC (tender loving care). Life takes work and maintenance, so being good to yourself takes work. Each day work on attracting good people in your life, positive thoughts, abundance, wealth, health, and prosperity.
   
   We are shaped by our thoughts;
   we become what we think.
   When the mind is pure,
   joy follows like a shadow
   that never leaves.”
   ~Buddha~

Tips & Warnings

• Jot down things you need on sticky pads.
• Have a note pad to write down grocery items, things to do, sales, errands
• Take a break and have a cup of tea, a walk around the block, quiet time
• Listen to music on the road, preferably soft and joyful music
• Eat healthy snacks and drink lots of liquids
• Be aware of your thoughts
• Do some online shopping
• Gift certificates
• Gratitude
• Invite a friend to shop with you or grab a bite to eat.
• Keep incense, candles and other pleasant smells in your home such as, cinnamon, lavender, vanilla, pumpkin spice and rose.
• Reading a favorite novel or inspiring books will motivate you.
• Read quotes on mugs and from well known people.
• Stay away from negative people
• Harsh environments
• Extreme temperatures
• Minimize driving time
• Be careful with stimulants, chemicals and sugar
• Negative thoughts, memories, and old patterns that bring you down.

Resources

• SoulAwakening

[gabbygirl007]

on 9/9/2009 Holidays are supposed to be for family and peace(if the two can go together.. hehe) and meant to be enjoyed. Great article on curing the holiday blues! rated 5 and recommended :)

[ThenAgainMaybe]

on 8/26/2009 Great tips for curing the holiday blues and stress. It's sad how this time of year has turned into what it is and really takes its toll on the mind and body. Great tips, nice article. Thank you! RRRC

[igislandgirl]

on 8/19/2009 Great tips that can be used all year around.

[godfather25]

on 8/13/2009 Awesome article on avoiding the holiday blues. I think we all get it from time to time.

[harrietcat]

on 12/9/2008 good tips.