Yesterday’s blog was about being fierce and how to get there. Today’s post is about the opposite: sadness and lethargy.

2016 was a difficult and painful year for many people I know. The holidays can sometimes lead to funk, not cheer. According to Psychology Today, the anticipation of merriment might lead to pensive gloominess or even depression. We drink too much, eat too much and sleep too little. Some signs of the holiday blues include: “Headaches, insomnia, uneasiness, anxiety, sadness, intestinal problems, and unnecessary conflict with family and friends.” (Psychology Today)

How to beat it?

The article cites 10 tips. I’ll give them to you in a nutshell:

1. Be reasonable with your schedule.
2. Organize your time.
3. Declare an amnesty with your friends and family.
4. Manage your expectations. Holidays won’t be for you as an adult what they were when you were a child!
5. Volunteer to help others in need.
6. Alcohol is a depressant. Drink in moderation.
7. Take breaks – especially physical ones, like exercise or just walking.
8. Think half-full, not half-empty. The choice is yours!
9. Take breaks – exercise, walk around the neighborhood. Get moving!
10. Choose to see the glass half-full, not half-empty. You do have a choice.