The holiday season is a time of year that many of us look forward to; when the weather cools, the leaves change into beautiful variations of red and orange and “The Best of Temptations Christmas” is playing on every radio station. It’s when family, friends and loved ones come together and celebrate occasions such as Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa and the New Year. However, for many it’s the most dreaded time of the year. Whether your heart aches from the loss of a loved one or if distance separates you from family and friends, rolling out offers 10 ways to fight your holiday woes.
1. Stay prayerful and meditate often. Centering yourself and communicating with God is a great way to redirect your holiday blues.
2. Give back. Volunteering for a non-profit organization or tending to those less fortunate is a sure way to realize how blessed you are and to be a blessing to someone else.
3. Treat yourself regularly. A day at a Spa is a sure way to take some of the edge off of the approaching holiday season.
4. Change your surroundings. Travel to a new city or country to change the usual holiday atmosphere.
5. Do something different. Create a new tradition with your family.
6. Support is key. Communicate your concerns and anxieties with your family, friends, minister, etc.
7. Get your creative juices flowing. Design a vision board of your future accomplishments and utilize the holiday time to plan your vision all the way through.
8. Work it out. Begin or continue your workout routine. Physical activity releases Endorphins (natural pain and stress fighters).
9. Avoid negative people and negative talk. These are things that zap your energy and usually add more stress.
10. Put it on paper. Keeping a personal journal is a great way to sort through and process the emotions you are experiencing.
–ebony s. muhammad
