Thinking about the year gone by? Here's how to perk up when the winter blues get to you

Two weeks before Christmas is the peak time for people to feel low (you can blame seasonal affective disorder) and for couples to break up. Here’s how to avoid this seasonal jinx and come out stronger.

LOW BLOW

Make a list
December has a way of making you pine for the year gone by. The end of the year brings with it a lot of contemplation and reflection, and for many, especially those with day jobs [we feel you], it seems like 12 months have gone by without you achieving anything. But, be careful, this is December’s trap and often, we only focus on the big things we have not achieved instead of the small good things that happen through the year. So, make a list of what you are grateful for from 2017 and resist the temptation to shake your life around.

Keep busy
If you’re feeling lonely this season, look around you and don’t feel shy to join in. Whether it’s decorating your aunt’s Christmas tree, organising the office Secret Santa run or planning a New Year’s Eve getaway with friends, make sure you offer to help and keep yourself busy. With so much going on, you won’t even have a moment to wallow and feel low.

COUPLES COUNSEL

Take two
The promise of new beginnings and a fresh start can be tempting to anyone who has had a bad year. And what’s the easiest excuse? Blame your partner and think that you’d be doing more without them. And while yes, you should make some changes, dumping your partner is no guarantee that you’re going to accomplish much more. So, try to plan these new things with your partner instead of accusing them of stopping you from doing what you want. After the magic of the party season is over, remember it is back to the drawing board and the real world — filled with jobs and bills — and it may be nice to have your partner by your side.

Tempting times
The out-of-towners, the friend of friends — December is the time when a lot of people flock back to the city from out of town. And everyone is in a fun holiday mood, dressing up for parties, spreading the cheer and perhaps looking for a holiday fling to celebrate the festivities with. If you’re in a relationship, it can sometimes get a little tempting. So, instead of leaving your steady partner for a fantastic gal who’s visiting, remember that this magic dust over December is just temporary. So think twice before having an affair. Take a breath and decide to reconsider your feelings once the season has passed.