How do you handle this time of year?

[3Hotdogs]

3. Adding to your second paragraph.... emotions that lead to drinking , drugs, gambling....

You mention anger. We need to stop and ask ourselves what/who we are angry about. Just identifying and recognizing that some of it is old and needs to be "put away." Other anger is about something that is still happening. Can we do anything about it? Getting even isn't probably going to get is anywhere.

Example: We are all pissed off at Trump. Carrying it with us doesn't get us anywhere.

Sad: Sad for how our lives turned out? Sad because of loneliness? Take time to think about these things. Think about the... maybe even write about them. What caused them? When do I most experience these feelings? 'm sure we can think of other sub-categories to the theme.


Then, as posted above, take the feelings away from yourself and onto somewhere else.... doing something for someone.

If that doesn't work, volunteer at an animal shelter. There are dogs and cats that need a walk or to be pet. And GUESS WHAT? They will appreciate you for who you are. I met a guy on a hike in the woods. A dog was attached to him and the dog clearly wanted to meet all the people on the trail.

"He's a rescue dog. I take him out every day because he likes to hike and maybe someone on the trail will want to adapt him. "

I hope this helps.