Tips to survive the holidays

by J. Patrick Reilly

While the holidays are supposed to be a very happy time, sometimes the grinch sneaks in and causes issues.

In case that happns here are 19 tips for coping with holiday stress and depression:

-Make realistic expectations for the holiday season.

-Set realistic goals for yourself.

-Pace yourself. Do not take on more responsibilities than you can handle.

-Make a list and prioritize the important activities. This can help make holiday tasks more manageable.

-Be realistic about what you can and cannot do.

-Do not put all your energy into just one day (i.e., Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve). The holiday cheer can be spread from one holiday event to the next.

-Live and enjoy the present.

-Look to the future with optimism.

-Don't set yourself up for disappointment and sadness by comparing today with the good old days of the past.

-If you are lonely, try volunteering some time to help others.

-Find holiday activities that are free, such as looking at holiday decorations, going window shopping without buying, and watching the winter weather, whether it's a snowflake or a raindrop.

-Limit your drinking, since excessive drinking will only increase your feelings of depression.

-Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.

-Spend time with supportive and caring people.

-Reach out and make new friends.

-Make time to contact a long-lost friend or relative and spread some holiday cheer.

-Make time for yourself!

Let others share the responsibilities of holiday tasks.

-Keep track of your holiday spending. Overspending can lead to depression when the bills arrive after the holidays are over. Extra bills with little budget to pay them can lead to further stress and depression.

Hopefully you already have all that covered but if not these tips can be helpful.