Holiday Blues Got You Down?

Holidays can be a time of GREAT Joy, but, for many, sadly, it can also be a time of overwhelm, frustration and depression. The biggest hurdle to enjoying the holidays is being stuck in the past. Thoughts about the past are the foremost thing that keeps us from being totally happy. I have found that most people who dislike the season is due to past experiences at holiday time with dysfunctional family members or upsets that happened during the holidays.

It is important to let the past remain in the past. If you cannot change your thoughts about your past that are causing you unhappiness, and keeping you unhealthy, sad and discouraged, then you will continue to remain frustrated and sad. What if you could choose something different and actually enjoy every moment regardless of the time of year?

Then I say, let’s do it!!!

Here are some tips for shifting OLD, negative experiences into something positive and fun.

1. Be aware of how you’re feeling. Are you feeling sad, depressed, anxious?

2. What are you thinking about? Are you focused on a past experience? Are you dwelling on people or situations from past holidays that make you sad? Remember, your thoughts create how you feel, not the other way around.

3. Decide today to feel better…when you observe thoughts from the past, recognize that, be with the feeling for a moment and intentionally release it.

4. Choose something empowering to think about. For example, if you miss a deceased loved-one, or even resent a past family member for their bad behavior, send them love and light, give gratitude for all they brought to your life, even if it was to learn how to be a better person.

5. Give Back. Instead of getting caught up in all the commercial aspects of the season, choose to serve others in need instead. Giving your time and service, bringing joy, fulfilling basic needs, gives you a GREAT feeling.

6. Start a new tradition, something that is unique to you.

7. Be with people you enjoy being around. If going to Aunt Millie’s on the holiday makes you unhappy, then bow out! Take Aunt Millie to lunch after the new year instead.

8. Gratitude – take a few moments each day to be silent and acknowledge 3-5 things you’re grateful for.

9. Forgiveness – Make a point of forgiving others for their challenges in life. When you let go of past hurts and times when you felt wronged or offended, you may feel like a weight has been lifted off of you. Forgiveness sets you free.

10. Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs, the holiday season can be a time to be thankful, to reflect on your accomplishments and begin to plan for the upcoming year.

One more TIP: take all the pressure off of yourself to be perfect. You can change how you experience the holidays by changing what you think about it. If you’re still not sure, come in for a special hypnosis session to release the past!! We’re here to help.