The holidays can be a dual edged sword. They’re full of music, food, love and good old fashioned cheer… but they’re often coupled with a long list of social obligations, a long list of unfavorable social interactions and a long list of charges to your credit card. Everyone is stressed out during the holidays and, for those of us who suffer from mental illness, that strain is often magnified.

In January and February, it can be hard to summon a positive attitude about winter. The holidays are over, but the days are still extremely short. The weather is frigid in most parts of the United States, and there’s isn’t another fun holiday until Valentine’s Day, which most people are conflicted about anyway. If you’re just feeling down because of the crummy weather, here are some little tips that will help boost your mood this winter.

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, we start to spend more and more time at home. Now is a great time, before things start freezing and the snow starts blowing, to ensure that your home is ready for winter. By getting your furnace ready, prepping your pantry, and ensuring your warm winter bedding is washed, clean, and ready to go, you can make the transition into cold weather so much smoother.

It’s a no-brainer, choosing healthy foods and living an active lifestyle is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mind too. In fact, past research has indicated that there is a definitive link between what individuals eat and how their brain functions, especially when it comes to mood and mental health.

While the holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, the reality of the situation is that putting your entire family in one room together is probably going to result in a bit of stress.

The whole concept of New Year’s Resolutions and some of the crazy (and possibly unhealthy) things people decide to take on worry me at times. I understand that a new year presents a “fresh start,” but there’s a lot that goes into making change stick, so let’s get started and see if we can set you up for success in 2017.