Michael Thomas Sunnarborg

Michael Thomas Sunnarborg

Find Michael's blogs syndicated on the following sites:

20 Tips To Beat The Holiday Blues

20 Tips To Beat The Holiday Blues

MichaelSunnarborg / November 28, 2016 Article, Image, Link / Leave a Comment

For many, the holidays are a time of celebration and fond memories. For others, the absence of friends and family, the hustle and bustle, or painful memories from years past can create a holiday season of worry, grief, and anxiety.

Even in our moments of joy we might find pockets of melancholy. So how can we best balance the yin and yang of the holiday season?

One solution is to find positive small ways to nudge us towards things that are more joyful than painful—more productive than destructive. Although the holidays can bring us moments of introspection, they can also bring us great moments of joy as we appreciate what we already have, create new memories with others, and embrace the moment as it comes.

If you happen to find yourself in a festivity funk this season, here are simple tips to help you stay ahead of the holiday blues:

For Your Head

1)  Make a list of 20 things you appreciate.

2)  Write an entry in your journal (or start a journal).

3)  Read a new book or watch an old movie.

4)  Do that one thing you’ve been avoiding.

5)  Decide to take a day off from worry.


For Your Body

1)  Move a little more.

2)  Eat a little less.

3)  Get a massage.

4)  Try some silent meditation.

5)  Wear your favorite clothes.


For Your Heart

1)  Tell someone that you love them.

2)  Stop beating yourself up.

3)  Offer help to someone.

4)  Call an old friend for no reason.

5)  Give a friend or family member your full attention.


For Your Spirit

1)  Smile at a stranger.

2)  Hold the door for someone.

3)  Listen to holiday music.

4)  Ask for forgiveness.

5)  Go out for a drive and enjoy the holiday decorations.

Regardless of where we are, what we are doing, or whom we are with this holiday season, we can remember that we always have control over our thoughts and actions. And when we are conscious and paying attention to what we are focusing on, we can affect our sense of balance and well-being.

Happy Holidays!

Michael Thomas Sunnarborg helps people find better balance and happiness in their work, relationships, and life—especially during transitions. Find out more at michaelsunnarborg.com

Image: Pixabay.com

This article originally appeared on The Huffington Post

All content is copyright © Michael Thomas Sunnarborg. All rights reserved. Original content may be shared via links through email and social media—or shared as "fair use" as either brief quotations or in a review—but otherwise may not be duplicated or copied in any other form without expressed written permission from author.

7 thoughts on “20 Tips To Beat The Holiday Blues”

  1. Julie Rodewald says:

    Thank you! Once again, I needed your words. Life can be so crazy, slowing down is often not a choice. But, using some of your techniques will at least help with the freeway traffic that life seems to be putting me in right now. 🙂

    1. MichaelSunnarborg says:

      You’re so welcome, Julie. Be sure and take time to breathe!

  2. Michael as always great advice, inspiration and compassion while challenging us to show up just a little bit better :-).
    Thank you for being a point of light!

    1. MichaelSunnarborg says:

      Thank you, Nancy! I love the challenge, myself 🙂

  3. Judith says:

    Thanks for all your encouragement
    This has been a difficult year for my family as my 2 sisters died 3 weeks apart
    We were friends besides being sisters.
    Your words of wisdom help

  4. Dan Malinowski says:

    Great advice Michael! Happy Holidays to you and your family.

  5. Jane N. says:

    As usual, GREAT ADVICE!! I love that you split it into different categories so if you’re feeling you need to fix your spirit, pick 1 or 2 things from the list. With this advice, I hope to stay out of the festive funk! Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *