The days surrounding the Holidays can be some of the most stressful and lonely times of the year. Balancing work, finances, kids off school, holiday shopping, wrapping, shipping, baking, and everything else that is incorporated into the season, is enough to send anyone into a fit of anxiety.

Often times we can be our own worst enemy, letting negative thoughts infiltrate our mind until they overwhelm us.  If you are experiencing a blast of the holiday blues because everything has finally started to weigh you down, overcome depression by using one or more of these tips from our panel of experts.

Beat Away the Blues, Tips for Long Term Happiness and Self Worth

Keep a Gratitude and happiness journal, this can be any sort of notebook but should be one you can take with you. Try and find something different to write down at least once each day that makes you happy or that you like about yourself. it can be a s small or seemingly insignificant as you like. read the list in its entirety each night before bed ad every morning upon waking. More details on this exercise is available on the website.

Jeff Halligan, Heart Centered Consultant, JHalligan Designs

Feeling Peaceful – First Steps to Overcoming Depression

First step in overcoming depression is to become aware of your thinking. You can do this by meditating or journaling. To meditate, try sitting or lying down in a comfortable position for about five minutes. Close your eyes and acknowledge to yourself that this is exactly where you are supposed to be. As you breathe in, say to yourself, “All good comes to me” and as you exhale say, “All good goes from me.”

To journal, using pen and 3 sheets of paper, write about how you are feeling on one sheet of paper. On another sheet of paper, write down that you release any feelings that are burdening you down. Using the third sheet, write how you want to feel. Here’s an example of a journal entry. First page: I feel sorry for myself because I don’t have a loving relationship. Second page: I release self-pity. Third page: I am loved.

Ellie Peterson, Inspirer, Ellie’s Meditative Movements

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