'Tis the season to feel stressed by the mere thought that everyone else is jolly. In addition, seasonal blues are exacerbated by Seasonal Affective Disorder. From coping with the awkwardness of social situations, absent loved ones and break-ups to gift giving, many of us feel disappointed that we don't quite measure up to It's a Wonderful Life. Hence there is increased usage of "feel good chemistry", drugs to take the edge off our unhappiness and anxiety. And we have an array of drugs to treat specific scenarios.

Increasingly, we rely on medication "to take the edge off" both for ourselves and our children. The holidays seem to emphasize our loneliness, unfulfilled expectations and fears. While medication doled out under the supervision of a clinician has its proper place, I worry about the ease and lack of thought associated with popping these pills. We need to address the root cause instead of just hacking away at the leaves. A party, selecting a gift or looking for love can be perceived as adventures rather than misfortunes. As with any fact of life, it is not the fact per se, but our attitude about it.

Time is the most precious commodity we have. Why waste it on projects or parties we don't want to spend time participating? Don't let people or social convention steal your time or rob you of joy. Enjoy the holidays with people and events that make time pass happily. Stay centered in whatever it is that you are doing.

My book Turn On Your Inner Light addresses this topic in a chapter titled Training For When You Are Afraid. The chapter details various mind/body prescriptions, meditations and exercises targeted at overcoming social anxiety.

Here are some suggestions to be high on life: More