For many the dark winter months and holidays season increases stress and can lead to the blues.

Despite the happy stories all around us, loneliness, grief, and stress can get in the way of our happiness. It's healthy to experience a range of emotions--even during the holidays, after all, even Hallmark characters have ups and downs. But when Polly feels her stress rising and low moods arrive with winter rains, there are a few habits she relies on to feel better.

Happiness, say researchers, is in part, a result of the choices we make and mindsets we choose. A focus on gratitude even during upsets, kindness, self-compassion, grace, and a willingness to embrace our imperfections can help us navigate difficult feelings and find joy.

Polly's favorite practice to ease stress and change the vibe? Mindfulness, and she shares an easy way to use it to ease stress and find clarity that makes navigating the ups and downs easier.

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