With shorter days, change in weather, and the inevitable trying times that are going home for the holidays, the fall and winter can bring feelings of being down to the most excited holiday enthusiast.
Here are a few things you can do to combat the not-so-warm feelings this holiday season!
- Hand write a letter to somebody you love, and haven’t heard from in a while.
- Pop some popcorn, brew up your favorite type of hot chocolate, and watch holiday movies to give you some winter cheer.
- Make sure to schedule some “you” time- whether that is treating yourself at some point during the holiday season, or curling up with a warm drink and a good novel.
- Make a playlist of your favorite holiday songs, and play them on repeat.
- The end of the year approaching means that a new year is too coming. To celebrate 2016, thank somebody who did something meaningful for you during the year.
- Conduct a random act of kindness. For ideas, head to https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-idea....
- Do holiday arts and crafts. Art therapy is one of the most effective ways to get you out of your holiday rut.
- Do some winter charity work. There is nothing like giving back for the holidays- and there are so many ways to do so. Donate to your local food bank, donate toys or clothes to local drives, volunteer to read or do crafts at your local children’s hospital - find a way to make someone else’s holiday a little brighter this year.
- Draw your feelings. Giving yourself a tangible visual of how you are feeling often times assists in putting these emotions to rest.
- Make sure that you are taking care of your mental and emotional health this holiday season. If you feel that you need to talk to a professional, there is help out there. If you tend to find yourself in crisis over the holidays, there are crisis text lines and crisis hotlines available to the public.
Especially in 2016, the holidays might be hard. Make sure that you are having a magical season in the most wonderful time of the year by seeking help when you need it. Happy Holidays!
