When you think of the holidays, does it give you that warm, fuzzy feeling? Are you looking forward to sharing a delicious holiday meal with loved ones, laughing over old stories and later exchanging beautifully wrapped gifts?

Or do the holidays bring a feeling of dread as you think about all the things on your to-do list? While the holidays are a joyous time for many people, it can also be stressful. Financial pressures, gift shopping and holiday parties can lead to anxiety.

And for those who are spending their first holiday without a loved one, fighting the blues is even more difficult.

While the holiday blues are common for many people, it should not be confused with clinical depression, which is a disorder that may need to be treated with medicine and therapies. Some people also link holiday blues with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition linked to fewer hours of sunlight during the winter. While people with holiday blues can have SAD, the two aren’t directly related because the symptoms of major depression caused by seasonal affective disorder last throughout the fall and winter.

If you have the holiday blues, here are some fun ways to improve your mood:

1. Call a friend. If you’re feeling blue, call one of your friends who is in the holiday spirit. Research shows that we tend to mimic our peers’ behaviors, so maybe some of their happiness will rub off on you. Be sure to keep the conversation light and don’t spend too much time dwelling on what’s making you anxious or sad.

2. Laugh out loud. Whoever said, “Laughter is the best medicine,” wasn’t kidding. If you have a Netflix subscription, they have an extensive collection of funny movies, TV shows and stand-up comedy specials like Jim Gaffigan’s “Cinco.” Don’t have a Netflix subscription? Head to your local library and see if they have any funny books, CDs, movies or audiobooks you can check out.

3. Listen to music. If listening to holiday music reminds you about all the stressful chores you have to complete, make a playlist of your favorite songs. Think of songs that were popular during some of your happiest moments. Need ideas? Add “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams to your playlist.

4. Dance it out. You already have the music going so why not get in a little physical activity? Invite your family or friends join you if they’re around. The more the merrier!

5. Shine a light. If you feel the darkness closing in on you, turn on the light. Lighting candles, turning on lamps or opening your curtains can help brighten your mood. Making sure your home is well lit can help you feel more alert and happy.

If you have questions or concerns about clinical depression or SAD, Willowbrooke at Tanner is here to help. For more information or to schedule a confidential mental health or substance abuse screening, please call our 24-hour help line at 770-812-9551. Learn more at WillowbrookeAtTanner.org.