Bracing for the Blues

Are you prone to the holiday blues? It's time to brace yourself...

One of the most effective ways to beat the holiday blues is to brace for them BEFORE they hit. For people who are vulnerable – there’s a five week stretch ahead which could be rough and now is the time to get prepared:

• If it’s a lonely time of year for you - there will be constant reminders everywhere. Getting involved with a charity or volunteer program can help a lot. That won’t erase all the sad feelings - but it can dramatically reduce them.

• If you’ve got resentments with family or friends, this time of year can fan the flames. Be prepared to declare amnesty and ask for the same in return. Putting yourself in control of a potential anxious situation can help prevent being blindsided with the blues.

Source: Mark Sichel, author of “Healing from Family Rifts”