5 Quick Tips to Feel Better This Holiday Season

1. Just breathe. This simple thing is one of the best and quickest ways to feel good. Do it now. Breathe in for 5 and out for 5. Repeat. It brings immediate calm, it is free and it won’t give you a hangover.

2. Look for the glimmers. With all the triggers during the holiday season — broken lights, growing bills, online shopping mishaps, we need to focus on recognizing the good things. Actively seek them out and take a few moments to let them soak in.

3. Plan time for things that you enjoy. It is too easy to get lost in the hustle and the bustle and we end up looking back at December thinking, “Where did that time go and did I even enjoy it?” Take a wintery walk with a friend, watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” with your family, pour a good glass of wine and sip in front of your tree, menorah or a fire. Even if it is just a few minutes of listening to your favorite songs, find the time. You deserve it.

4. Embrace imperfection. Pinterest and Hallmark have confused us into thinking this season is all about getting the ribbon just right. It’s not. Perfect is boring. Get messy, make mistakes, laugh out loud, let things go and have some fun.

5. Hug the people you love – a lot. A 20 second hug is an amazing way for two people to feel better. Science has shown it releases happy hormones, and we can all use more of those right now.