Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

The holiday season in a typical year can bring dizzying demands with gifts, family, friends, events and more. Compound that with the cost and any year can be too much. This year we have the added stressor of Covid that keeps us away from those we love and maybe we have lost a loved one. The holidays are a tough time for many and this year may be even worse.

So, what are some things we can do to help minimize the stress and depression this year? (These tips brought to you by the Mayo clinic)

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.

2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or...

Staying joyful is important when things get stressful or difficult. Busy holidays can increase stress. But, life can be filled with positive energy and happiness. Remain in joy regardless of what the holiday circumstances bring you. Each holiday is a unique opportunity to do something that brings you more joy.

As holidays get closer, find ways to stay calm. Let peace radiate out to others. Let them see the peace you have, and they will feel better about the holidays too. You can help a lot of people just by staying happy and positive during stressful holiday times. Know the holidays are what you make of them. Choose to make them joyful and fun. 

Turn the stress of your life into a positive energy by focusing on solutions. Holidays are wonderful times to enjoy family and friends. Enjoy finding the beauty of the holidays. See that beauty and focus on it to help keep your stress levels low. Low stress means high happiness. 

Stay in joy this holiday season by walking in...

The holidays are an interesting time. It can be a time of joy, excitement, and anticipation. It can also be stressful. 

Add to that the fact that you still resent what Uncle Bill did last Christmas, and the possibility that your cousin might have Covid-19, and the holidays just got even more stressful. 

Holidays can also be expensive! The cost of gifts, travel, and extra food can really add up in a hurry. 

Keep these tips in mind to help reduce holiday stress: 

1. Take time for family and friends. This may look very different this year, maybe it is zoom calls or phone calls. Maybe it is sending a letter or card. Keeping others in mind can help us as well.

2. Get some sun. The days are shorter in the northern hemisphere during the winter months. Many people are sensitive to not getting enough sunlight. Sit by a window with good sun exposure and get all the sunlight you can for an hour each day. You’ll feel less stressed. Use the time to read a book or make...