Archive: Jan 7, 2016, 12:00 AM

Fight the Winter Blues

Many people feel a slump in their mood after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The expectations of holiday events, the joy of spending time with loved ones and the frantic chaos can lead to a feeling of let down with the new year. It is important to check your emotional well-being and take preventative action during this time of year to stay healthy and make the most of 2016. There are a lot things you can do to help your emotional wellbeing  during the winter doldrums. As the excitement and anticipation of the holidays  comes to a close, it is normal to feel a sense of gloom. To work against this, try making plans for something soon. Plan time off, go to a concert, take a class or redecorate a room. Many people find joy in learning new hobbies  such as crocheting, playing an instrument or cooking. Find something that you can look forward to and start planning for it. When we focus on the negative, or on things we can’t change, we tend to have a poor outlook which alters our mood. Try to stay grounded in the positive  by practicing the art of gratitude. Melanie Greenberg, of Psychology  Today, suggests gratitude  goes hand in hand with mindfulness in its focus  on the now and appreciating  what we have, rather than wanting more and more.

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