Ah the Holidays…that magical time of year filled with re-gifted gifts, failed resolutions, and awkward conversations with relatives about the reasons why you are still single. Throw in a few long, dark, cold, lonely nights and happy couples everywhere you turn, and next thing you know, your holidays are less than happy. Well, I’m here to tell you, you are not alone.
A few weeks ago, I started to feel the creeping dread of the holidays approaching. For the most part, I relish the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want. But the holiday season just seems to feed my worst fears. So what do I do? Mope around and feel sorry for myself? You bet. Overindulge in things that I know are bad for me? Absolutely! But there has to be a better way, no?
This year I decided to do things a little differently. I refuse to be defeated. No, I will be victorious! I know there are many others who feel the same way about the season, and I began to wonder…what does everyone else do to cheer themselves up? I decided to ask a few of my mostly single Twitter buddies to share their favorite ways to banish the Holiday Blahs. I am so thankful and honored that they graciously agreed to participate. You can click on their names to check out their Twitter profiles. Perhaps you have already heard some of this advice, but in those moments of weakness, it’s nice to have a handy list of options to choose from. Here it goes! {drum roll...}
1) HELP OTHERS
@TheeSuperstar had lots of excellent suggestions, but this one happened to be one of my favorites. Why not volunteer at an organization, school, church or a nursing home? When you bring sunshine to someone else, you can’t help but be touched by a few warm rays yourself.
2) BE SPONTANEOUS
@MarlowOnline takes this fun approach: Decide on a place you want to go, then text a bunch of friends for a spontaneous gathering. Don’t worry about who can or can’t make it. Sometimes it’s the ones you least expect to see, that come out to show their support. Try it!
3) WATCH A MOVIE
@JaredAWinston recommends watching a good comedy or action movie. It’s a great escape for an hour or two, and then you can always think about it afterwards and discuss it with friends. That’s several hours of happiness right there!
4) SPOIL THE LITTLE PEOPLE
@TheRealXXLEA shared this wonderful idea. If you have nieces or nephews, going all out for them can help you take your mind off of your own troubles. Whether it’s an actual gift, or the gift of time spent with them, make it memorable and you too can achieve Rockstar Aunt or Uncle status! Once again, when you make others happy, that happiness will come back to you!
5) KEEP BUSY
A mysterious male source of mine gave this obvious but very effective suggestion. Go work out, work on your favorite hobby, work some overtime! Whatever you do, don’t sit idle. Keep it movin’!
6) SEEK OUT SINGLE FRIENDS
@LaLatinaLoquita makes a great point with that suggestion. Sure, we all have those awesome friends who are married and are a pleasure to be around. But sometimes, when we’re feeling down about being single, just being around those couples can make us feel even worse. Instead, try to hang out with some positive-minded single friends and remind each other of the advantages of being single…and celebrate! You can follow her adventures in dating on her blog, www.lalatinaloquita.blogspot.com.
7) TREAT YOURSELF
@DoctorFox007sure knows how to kick a bad funk! Follow his lead and plan a day trip to Manhattan
8) EXPLORE
@crockerock also believes in the healing power of the city. On those days when she felt a little blue, instead of going home, she would head to Manhattan
Pro Tip: Bring a camera to document your adventure!
9) FIND YOUR FAVORITES
Another anonymous male informant told me that when he is down, he just tries to “push through and wait for the feeling to pass.” However, he did acknowledge that a few things can make that waiting more bearable. Things like going to your favorite place, listening to a favorite song, playing a favorite video game, or even eating your favorite food (in moderation, of course!). These simple things can go a long way.
10) WORK TOWARD YOUR GOALS
@LoveSujeiry has a lot of dreams and goals. When the going gets tough, she puts her ambition into overdrive! Focusing on achieving success in a different area of your life, can double your pleasure. While all that focus and hard work makes you forget your woes, you are also bringing yourself that much closer to your next success. For more of her sage advice, be sure to visit her blog, http://lovesujeiry.com
*BONUS SUGGESTION!*
(Ok, it’s really my suggestion, but I wanted the list to be an even ten. Blame my OCD!)
BEAUTIFY- While this is second nature for most ladies, the men can do it too. Go get a haircut, a hot shave, a tattoo, a car wash or some new threads…beautify something on or around you. Ladies, whether it’s a DIY mani, a makeup makeover, or a salon appointment, do whatever your can to get back to your inspiring, beautiful selves. Work on beautifying an area of your home, or create a beautiful piece of art. Where there is beauty, there is happiness. But you cannot expect happiness to be delivered to you on a silver platter, you must go out and seek it. Wishing each of you abundant love and happiness this holiday season…
Very truly,
Victory
