Practicing Positivity During Winter Blues
Dr. McElwaine wrote an article titled “It’s OK to Not Be OK During the Holidays.” Noted in the article, positivity can be affected by winter blues. The article was shared to reassure the audience that a lot of people suffer from depression, anxiety, and holiday blues during the holidays, but also to note the fact the pandemic has caused an epic increase in winter blues. December and Christmas/ New Years are just around the corner. A way to practice positivity is to think of activities to lessen the stress. According to Fredrickson and Courtney Ackerman, MSc., many positive emotions can be categorized as human flourishing. If we think of positive emotions, they are more profound than just what we receive; they are virtues we feel.
Fredrickson has outlined ten of the most commonly experienced positive emotions (Henley, 2009):
1) Joy
2) Gratitude
3) Serenity
4) Interest
5) Hope
6) Pride
7) Amusement
8) Inspiration
9) Awe
10) Love
There are many areas of positive emotions that we can take into account. There is Optimism, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Confidence, Enjoyment, and Fun. When we think of these positive emotions, we should think of ways to find them during this season.
Ask yourself the following 10 questions:
1. Am I fulfilled with myself and the things I have?
2. Do I have a positive outlook about my activities for this Holiday Season?
3. Are there things holding me hostage, and do I need to let things go?
4. What am I grateful for?
5. What things do I have this holiday money can’t buy.
6. Can I say, “I believe good things are going to happen for me in 2021?”
7. What are a few things I enjoy about the holidays?
8. What pastimes and traditions do I expect to enjoy?
9. What can I do to make sure my loved ones enjoy their time with me?
10. After considering what you have read in this blog what call to action can you implement today to improve your mood and outlook?
Pandemic and the Holidays
This year for sure is historic! A global pandemic struck, which caused all to feel a sense of uncertainty about life, cure, jobs, safety, etc. Having a positive outlook is vital. Holidays are when more people will gather to continue their normal tradition, in a not-so-normal time. Enjoy your holidays but keep yourself and your loved ones safe!
We would love to know, please share what your plans are this upcoming holiday season.
This is well written and will be very helpful during the holidays. With the pandemic and all the many lives lost this gets me ready to set my resolutions this year. Everyday is a gift from above. Positivity is the key. My glass is half full, and I am happy with life.
This is nicely written. It’s a reminder to us that every moment counts and in order to appreciate the beauty of these moments we’ve got to stay positive. More so is that, we don’t have to wait for the perfect moment, instead we should take the moment and make it perfect by staying positive. Thanks a lot for this creative write up.
Beautifully said! Thank you for your positive words and inspiration, which are much needed in 2020- especially to those who have lost loved ones due to coronovirus, but also to those who have lost loved ones in previous years from other causes. Your list of questions are dynamic and very helpful as we analyze our own personal lives. Thank you for sharing!
This is awesome!! Really helpful and definitely allows a good self evaluation. Im grateful for life and health and strength! Thanks for this awesome post!
Very well written. This pandemic has many lessons on our system, beliefs and outlook for life.
Love these tips & reminders regarding the effects of positivity! Not only are we dealing with Covid, there are many hurting from loved ones that have passed away.
We have to give people GRACE during this season.
During this Holiday Season, I plan to continue showing acts of kindness, gratitude, & pursuing my own personal goals at a healthy pace.”
Such a great post!
Question 3 is the one that I need to practice on. And I’m a single dad so I’ll be spending the holidays with my kids