Your winter could go two ways; it could be blissful and loving, or you could release your inner Scrooge. Sometimes, being around family--or the opposite, being without--can leave you saying many humbugs.
If Buddy the Elf can pass seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, you can keep it together this winter. Here are some helpful tricks to keep a positive spin on what can pull you down this season.
1. Visit your family.
Sometimes, visiting home is the best way to recuperate. Other times, it's a reminder of how great you have it on your own.
2. Cherish the little things.
Instead of dwelling on the bad.
3. Keep yourself busy.
You might be taking a vacation, but that doesn't mean you have to spend it on the couch. Go have fun.
Productivity can keep your mind occupied. Instead of spending winter break sleeping and watching movies...
4. Be social.
Why not say hello to the person you lived next door to for years? It's easy to keep to yourself, to remain in your own little world.
5. But don't do anything you don't want to.
Unless a grade or paycheck depends on it, there's no reason to torture yourself.
6. Spend quality time with yourself.![]()
Sometimes, getting space is all it takes for some R&R.
7. Go see your best friend.
Best friends make everything better.
8. Try doing nothing (for a day).
Enjoy it while you have it. Everyone needs a personal or mental health day once in a while.
9. Don't beat yourself up about it.
10. Break out of your comfort zone.
It'll help build confidence. Hopefully.
11. Do what you normally don't have time for.![]()
It might be your only chance, for a while.
12. Keep your taste-buds happy.
13. Really happy.
14. Try new things.
15. Avoid conflict.
There can't be a fight if you don't participate.
Hardships with anyone, especially someone you care about, can really have a negative effect on your emotional health.
Instead of adding a name to the naughty list, try to understand why someone might be acting a certain way. Acknowledging and accepting their flaws might prove better than holding them to the standards you expect (if that's the case).
16. Self-reflect.
17. Be you.
18. Spread the love.
Your winter could be hum-bug or blissful, depending on your approach. It's all about taking a step back, and not getting carried away with expectations; if you expect the worst, you'll get it.
Do what you want to do, achieve each bullet on your bucket list. Find ways to keep yourself grounded, to avoid slipping into the winter blues.
