I don’t know what it is about the cold, but sometimes it just brings me down. I am not sure if it has to do with the Holiday’s, but I have a hard time having a jolly season. For those of you who are traveling this winter in the same shoes as I am, no worries, you are not alone; winter blues are not uncommon.

The most logical synopsis for this phenomenon has a lot to do with the pressure of the holidays; family get-togethers, increase in routine stress, unsolved family issues that erupt during family celebrations, and economic problems.  There can be so many reasons behind the mystery of winter time blues, yet most of the feelings you have during the winter were always there, just increased by holiday stress.

Even though the holiday season may be coming to a close, it’s not too late to find a spellbinding relief to this overbearing stress.

The best advice to pull off smiles going into 2009 is to make your New Year’s Resolution to fight these blues to have a jollier New Year.

Here are some tips to follow to help turn that frown upside down:

*Change up the scenery: Break your normal routine; add some spice into your life by signing up for a yoga class, start a book club, or visit old friends.

*Resist the temptation to be isolated: Everyone loves alone time, but try not to go completely M.I.A. (I have a tendency to do that). When you are feeling down, don’t just sit around and mope; it will only increase your disheartened feelings. Get out of that house!

*Avoid over-indulgence: I know it may be hard to say no to that second or third serving during this time of year and I don’t know about you, but there is something about the cold that turns me into a glutton; do your best to resist the temptation of food and especially alcohol.

*Do good to feel good: Get out and participate in charity programs. It is proven that doing good for others makes a person feel a whole lot better.

*Pamper yourself: Money may be tight around this time of year, but there are plenty of at-home activities you can do. Plan a pedicure night with your girlfriends.

Winter blues can be easy to battle, just keep yourself busy and eventually those feelings should pass.

Photo Credit: PJ Retreat and I Got Flowers