For many, the holiday season presents a challenge to be, well, festive and merry. There is something about the holiday season – less hours of daylight, more time indoors, expectations of being social – that has a way of increasing depression symptoms.

I would like to suggest a gentle, self-compassionate approach. Here are some ideas to do so – I plan on taking my own guidance as well 😊:

· Give yourself permission to say No to that umpteenth party invite (a wise client of mine said, “‘No’ is a complete sentence!” – so true!).

· Allow for space in your schedule to balance the busy – this may mean you consider some quiet, puttering-about activities in the day, to balance out an evening work party or family gathering.

· Take inventory of what fills your cup – does a hike in the brisk air center you? Perhaps it is the joy of cooking, or running errands; maybe it is snuggled up with a book and a cup of tea. Whatever those things are, grand or small, take note and then make effort to include those in your weekly schedule.

· Make meaningful connections – a heart-to-heart with a beloved friend or trusted confidant, can help you feel connected and validated.

Wishing you a peaceful season!