Tried and true tips to help you maintain or reclaim peace and joy during the most wonderful – but often stressful – time of the year

BY VALERIE HARDY

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but for many, November and December are far from merry and bright. This time of year often brings increased stress, anxiety, depression, or general malaise. The holiday blues have various roots: social isolation, an overly scheduled calendar leading to diminished self-care, familial or financial stressors, grief from missing a distant or deceased loved one, traditions in transition, and unrealistic expectations to “make it magical” – like a scene from a Hallmark movie. However, we have more control over our happiness than we may think. Read on for some simple steps to let your heart be light and all your troubles out of sight as the new year nears.

Keep Up Sleep. Having a consistent sleep schedule may be even more important than the total amount of sleep you get, so prioritize going to bed and waking up around the same time each day. And follow the 3-2-1 rule: three hours before bedtime, cut off alcohol consumption; two hours before, stop eating; one hour before, discontinue drinking all fluids.

Prioritize Exercise. Whether it’s a quick walk around the block or two-hour trip to the gym, build physical activity into your daily routine. Exercise helps release “feel-good” brain chemicals like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. For festive fitness, Google a holiday-themed at-home workout, try a local turkey trot, mall-walk before you shop, or get in some ski runs at nearby Four Lakes or Villa Olivia.

Stay Social. Being around others in social settings is a proven mood-booster. More reason to RSVP yes to those holiday gatherings! Research shows that in-person relationships heighten happiness more than virtual ones, so swap social media for face-to-face interactions instead.

Have an Attitude of Gratitude. With Thanksgiving coming, it’s a natural time to practice gratitude. However, don’t limit thankfulness just to November. Whether documenting daily three things you’re grateful for in a journal, filling a gratitude jar and reading slips from it at the end of each week or month, or sending a thank you note or text to someone who has made a difference in your life, bring your attention to appreciation.

Give a Helping Hand. One of the best ways to help yourself toward happiness is to help others. Volunteer, do random acts of kindness, or pay it forward. You’ll not only make someone else’s day, but you’ll receive an extra heap of happiness for yourself as well.

Spend Strategically.  This is a season of spending, and how we spend our money matters. Research shows that the joy we get from purchasing new things or receiving tangible gifts is short-lived, wearing off the minute we “drive the car off the lot.” So, put your cash toward experiences instead of objects – plan a vacation, buy tickets to a concert, play, or sporting event, or sign up for a cooking or crafting class. Also, the proverb “it is better to give than to receive” holds true when it comes to happiness, so prioritize prosocial spending (spending on others, including picking the perfect present for a friend or donating to those in need). Finally, buy time. For example, splurge on a cleaning service to free up time to spend with friends and family.

Pay a Compliment. While telling someone “Nice haircut” or “Love those shoes” is kind, to maximize the happiness benefits, focus your compliments on others’ internal qualities and actions rather than appearances. For example, “I admire how confidently you connect with clients” or “Your creativity and eye for design really brought your holiday décor to the next level this year.” Giving sincere and specific compliments to others not only increases our own well-being but also strengthens our relationships with those around us.

Focus on Locus of Control. Focus on what you can control. The inclement weather? Out of your control. However, what time you leave for the airport for your holiday travel is within your control. When we operate within our locus of control, we are happier – and much less frustrated.

Quit Comparing. If you dare to compare, make sure it’s to yourself! When we compare ourselves to others, our happiness levels drop, but when we compare ourselves to our past performances or accomplishments, we can find motivation rather than disappointment. If you catch yourself making an external comparison, be sure to balance upward comparisons (measuring yourself against others who have it better than you do) with “downward comparisons” (also comparing yourself to those who are worse off).

Turn that Frown Upside Down. Even on your most down days, force a smile to your face. It might feel funny at first, but when you smile, your brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin to boost your mood. The same is true for laughter – it truly is the best medicine! So, pull up those hilarious TikTok videos or head to the local comedy club for a dose of humor… and happiness.