How I Stay Positive During the Holidays

In the past, the holidays were often a depressing time of year for me. I loved the festive decorations and extra family time, but consistently felt a little down on the inside. Whether it was because I wasn’t staying busy working which typically preoccupies my wandering mind, or I simply had too much time on my hands to think about the things I hadn’t yet accomplished, I kept finding myself caught in a rut during November and December, year after year.

At some point a few years ago, I made the decision to change my mindset. I realized I had way more power over my feelings than I was giving myself credit for. And once I took responsibility for the depression I felt, the more I was able to find ways out of it.

For me, the key was in taking the focus off myself and redirecting it onto the people and world around me. Gratitude plays a huge role in my overall feelings of fulfillment, so instead of focusing on what I felt was insufficient in my life, I made a more concentrated effort to celebrate the everyday blessings.

Now, I make it a habit to check in with myself as the holiday season gets underway, to make sure I’m doing things that keep me in a positive headspace and contribute positively to the world around me. In case you, too, get caught in the holiday doldrums, here are four surefire ways to get out of them – especially this time of year:

1. Give Your Time Away

When I’m focusing on the wellbeing of others, I’m not only taking the focus off myself, I’m helping someone else in the process. Volunteering your time, especially during the holidays, helps put everything into perspective and reminds you to appreciate the little things you may be taking for granted.

2. Get Outside More Often

A change of scenery can do wonders for your mindset. Get some fresh air by going outside and exploring a local park or even just take a walk down the street during your lunch break. Even ten minutes away can shift your energy and provide some positive inspiration.

3. Have Mindful Conversations

I choose to lead with lighthearted conversation during the holiday season, when everyone – especially family – is a little more emotionally sensitive. While I think having deep conversations about your relationships, health, or even political beliefs is healthy and important, sometimes charged topics can easily spiral into stressful situations during the holidays. Choose carefully the times you start emotionally sensitive discussions that could trigger feelings of depression or insecurity in yourself or others, or better yet, save them for a licensed professional who can give you an unbiased opinion.

4. Practice Gratitude

Combined with the points above, practicing gratitude is by far the most effective way to feel happier across the board. Focus on what you have that makes you happy and content rather than the areas where you feel you’re falling short. How you express gratitude is up to you, whether it’s through morning meditations, journaling, prayer, or speaking your gratitudes aloud to a friend.