I love the holidays. It’s the time-of-year equivalent of Disneyland for me. And I love Disneyland. As soon as I step foot inside the gates a huge grin inevitably erupts across my face. All cares are washed away in this magical place.

And I really feel the same way about the holidays. The holiday songs on the radio, the lights around the neighborhood, decorating the house, an excuse to give thoughtful gifts to those you love.

LOVE IT ALL! Even when it means that I’m busier than usual – trying to fit in holiday shopping into my already busy schedule, deadlines at work that are shorter because of the holiday break, year end accounting for some of us, holiday parties galore, etc.

So, I’ll admit, it can get a bit overwhelming even with all it’s good intentions.

Now, how to mitigate that feeling so you can thoroughly enjoy the holidays? Well, these are just a few suggestions I use myself …

5 Quick Ways to Brighten your Holiday Mood

1) Play with Color

They’ve done numerous studies on the effects of color and they all come to the same conclusion: color enhances mood. So, when you choose to wear a bold red or cobalt blue over black, you’re not only standing out fashionably, you’re also telling your mood that you feel great! It also influences the mood of those around you. Consider your favorite color to wear and wear it often and in varying shades. Have fun! Stand out!

2) Take a Timeout

Give yourself 5 minutes to recharge. Take a deep breath, close your eyes, clear your head and just be. If you’re like me and you have a lot of chatter pretty consistently going in your head, try a mantra. A mantra is something positive you repeat and you can tailor it to your needs for whatever is going on in your life.

Even if this means you have to step out and hide in the bathroom at work … do it! And be sure to close your eyes. That’s the most relaxing part!

3) Make time for Exercise

We all know that exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good. Still, that isn’t quite enough to get us to the gym. Well, it should be! All my life I’ve worked out consistently and specifically because it was my stress relief. (If you know me at all by now, you know that I’ve got a lot of things going on!)

Don’t slack on exercise because you have so many events. But you also don’t have to make it such a chore. I used to spend an hour at the gym 6 days a week and I loved it – it never was a chore. It was always a part of my routine. I’ve since relaxed a bit, but it’s still a part of my routine. Sometimes it’s fitting in 30 minutes or even a quick 15 minute yoga sesh in my living room.

Whatever works … just something!

4) Add Cucumber to your Water

With all the extra carbs and alcohol you’ll be consuming, your body is going to need a lot of water. You may not have time for the spa to detox, so why not bring the Spa to you? It’s incredibly refreshing and simply indulgent. Plus, your body (and your skin!) will thank you!!

5) Give

My favorite part of the holidays. 🙂

I love to be able to make someone’s day a bit brighter by showing them a bit of generosity.

Now, this doesn’t have to mean going out and buying gifts for everyone. It can be as simple as holding the door or the elevator for someone. Showing a bit of unexpected kindness can really make someone’s day and they’ll likely pay it forward.

Another great way to give: Clean out your closet and donate your clothes to a homeless shelter, half way house or battered women’s shelter. Even if you think you can get a bit of money for your designer clothes you don’t wear anymore, imagine how much more someone in one of these places would appreciate it SO much more!