12 Ways to Avoid Depression This Holiday Season

With shorter days and longer lines, it’s no wonder people are more likely to struggle with low moods during the winter months. The holidays seem to be filled with unrealistic expectations and unforeseen pressures that can cause mood and sleep dysregulation. The holidays can also be particularly painful if you’ve lost a loved one. Grief over the death of a spouse or other close family member tends to hit hardest during the holiday season. Unaddressed, these forces have the power to steal your joy, sabotage your health, and trigger unproductive behaviors, which can absolutely ruin your holiday.

But with some easy-to-implement strategies, it’s possible to overcome the holiday blues and keep depressive symptoms under control. To help you put a smile on your face this season, follow these mood-boosting, stress-busting tips.