How to Beat Depression This Holiday Season

It is easy to get depressed when times get tougher. However, in order to stay upbeat, it is important to maintain a positive attitude. Here are some tips I sometimes use to prevent from falling into a state of depression:

It is easy to get depressed when times get tougher. However, in order to stay upbeat, it is important to maintain a positive attitude. Here are some tips I sometimes use to prevent from falling into a state of depression:

Smile a Lot.

Stay up beat. Studies have proven that simply forcing a smile will put you in a better mood. Try it! It works.

Turn off the News.

While it is important to stay informed, sometimes No news IS good news. Do yourself a favor and turn off the television news. I once worked at a News Station and often the station made a bigger deal about the bad news than necessary. A murder the previous year might have 14-24 stories in the following year. This made it appear that 24 murders had happened when in actuality one murder had happened the previous year. In tough financial times, it isn't any different. The news makes their bread and butter by reporting bad news. More people tune into bad news & therefore bad news sells advertising. A lot of news isn't even researched well and is subject to the opinion of the reporter. Therefore, do yourself and everyone else a favor - stay away from the news channel in hard times. I guarantee you WILL be more upbeat!

Tan in a Tanning Bed.

Unless you have access to sunshine this winter, I recommend tanning in a tanning bed. You don't have to get an actual tan to benefit from the Vitamin D your body is missing during the winter months. A lack of Vitamin D can cause depression and therefore especially when times are tough it is a good idea to get a tan.

Exercise.

A walk or a workout will help increase your serotonin levels in the brain & you will be happier because of it.

Stay out of Debt.

If you stay out of debt and help pay back the debt you currently owe, it will greatly improve your mood.

Remember what You Are Thankful For

It is amazing how many times we forget what we HAVE. Many of us have healthy family members and friends. Take some time to thank God for your health. Watch Pollyanna and see if you can learn a few ideas of what you can be thankful for. It is a silly show but the concept works. We can be thankful at ALL times of the year not just on Thanksgiving. As you think of what you are thankful for more opportunity will open up in your path. It is amazing how thankfulness can often open our minds up to the opportunities all around us.

Spend Quiet Time

Quiet time spent in praying, meditation, and Bible Reading will quiet the soul. There is guidance in scripture during tough times.

Be Generous.

Times are hard but chances are there is someone who has it tougher than you do. Open up your heart to those in need and give what you do have. You may not have finances to offer but you may have toys, books and clothes. Look for opportunities to be generous with what you have and you will find an abundance of opportunities. An open generous hand has more room to give as well as receive. You have to hand the apple to someone else in order to pick up the bushel. Generosity is key to overcoming poverty. You will find out you have more to give than you ever could have imagined possible when you simply look for opportunities to give. It is true that "It is better to give than receive." You will find giving to others puts a smile on your face. We can all look for opportunities to increase our generosity.

Eat Healthy.

Fruits and Vegetables are a must especially raw. If possible, buy organic. It is healthier for you and the environment.

Get Plenty of Rest.

Sleep will help you see life more clearly. Rest is imperative. If you have trouble sleeping, you may want to research "melatonin", an over the counter natural sleeping aid. Melatonin is a substance that can be found in bananas.

Remember Patriotism.

We are the United States of America. We have freedom. We are blessed. Remember what a wonderful country you were blessed to be born into.

We stand Together.

With these tips, you will be able to help yourself and others prevent from falling into depression. It is important to stay up beat. We need one another to get through this financial crisis. Together and united we can stand.