5 Holiday Blues Busters

By Paula Renaye

The holidays are a crazy time of year. There's plenty of hustle and bustle everywhere, but I've also heard a lot of people say they are disconnecting from the traditional requirements and obligations and doing things differently. Some have scaled back on the gift buying and others have called it off completely, opting for sharing in different ways. 

Try this idea from my best friend, which is a new twist on one of my distance dating tips: Go out to dinner "together" in your separate locations in each other's honor then call and chat about it later--or even briefly as you're there. It can be far more fun and personal than exchanging restaurant gift cards and worrying if you sent enough money. You each just do what you do and enjoy!

Here are some more nontraditional things to try when you're just in a funk and don't know how to get out of it.

1. Have Pity Party--If you aren't happy this holiday season, admit it--even wallow in it. If you're sad because you're alone for the holidays, you don't have a partner or you just feel overwhelmed by the craziness of it all, own it and honor it. Set a timer for ten minutes and sob, wallow and wail about the unfairness of it all. You'll feel better with all the garbage out in the open, and you'll have a good idea about the fears and limiting beliefs that are feeding the feelings so you can deal with them.
2. Clean House--A neat and tidy space just feels better, so take some time to catch up on household chores. Clearing out the physical clutter also helps with the mental variety too, but go for a deep clean on that space between your ears. Find out what's really at the bottom of your holiday sadness--the pity party venting will give you some good clues. Once you identify your expectations and beliefs about being single for the holidays, you can rewire them into ones that empower you.
3. Let Yourself Off the Hook--You don't actually have to do anything you don't want to, so don't. If you've absolutely hated going to a particular event every year then why do it again? If you can't see a single reason why anything is going to be different this time--or why you'd be willing to make it different--stay home. And, do not feel guilty about it. But, be sure and use your time wisely. Staying home and feeling bad about it defeats the purpose. Just remember, whatever you do--even if it's nothing--do it on purpose!
4. Go Inward--Checking out and doing nothing for a while is great, but don't waste all your holiday days in front of the television. Get some inspirational, motivational or personal development books, such as The Hardline Self Help Handbook, and start making the most of your time. A few days spent getting to know yourself better will vault you into 2012 with specific ways to stop doing the same old things and start getting you what you really want.
5. Do Unto Others--A great way to get out of your holiday sad cycle is by shifting your focus from yourself to others through volunteering. Find local organizations that need your help, such as shelters, food banks, animal rescues, community events, etc., and start doing something. You'll be lending a much-needed hand while also meeting other good-hearted folks. You won't be alone, and as a major bonus, you'll get a huge feel-good vibe that will have you smiling for days.

Remember, time is going to pass no matter how you choose to spend your moments. Choose wisely!
Happy Holidays!

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Paula Renaye is a certified professional coach, motivational speaker and author of the multi-award-winning personal development guide, The Hardline Self Help Handbook. Get a copy now so you'll have the tools to inspire, motivate and show you how to get what you really want. http://hardlineselfhelp.com