The holiday season may be tough for some, but so is every day life. I recently had the opportunity to  get the 411 on staying upbeat when everything around you looks like it’s falling apart from Mary Jo Rapini a nationally-known psychotherapist, author, public/keynote speaker, as well as a television and radio commentator.

Here are her 25 favorite ways to stay upbeat and positive

1. Get involved with people or projects that give you meaning.
2. Schedule time in your day to have five minutes of total quiet alone.
3. Meditate by focusing on your breathing in and out slowly.
4. Pray.
5. Don’t take other’s negativity personally.
6. Limit your time with negative people and make your life a no venting or complaining zone.
7. Play: yoga, running and/or walking are good examples of adult playtime.
8. Go to a movie with a friend or by yourself.
9. Listen to music that makes you feel positive.
10. Write down three things you’ve always wanted to do or were interested in and begin learning one of them.
11. Have Friday or Sunday night potluck night. Everyone can come, but everyone brings something to the table.
12. Have a suggestion box set up in your home so kids, as well as other family members, can write suggestions for innovative new family outings or rituals.
13. Go to church: according to research church goers are happier, healthier and find more meaning in life than non-church goers.
14. Play with your kids even when they’re grown.
15. Hug family and friends as much as you can.
16. When worries take over, step back and focus on today…now.
17. Be grateful and say thank you each opportunity you get. The more you give thanks, the more you have to be thankful for as time goes on.
18. Volunteer.
19. Plant a garden or at least a few plants.
20. Get a pet or spend time watching animals on TV.
21. Watch funny movies or movies that encourage good rather than evil.
22. When faced with a challenge instead of getting discouraged think of it as an opportunity to learn and grow your business, relationship, or wherever the challenge is.
23. Give away whatever you aren’t using.
24. Pay it forward every chance you get.
25. Read autobiographies and biographies. They help you understand that everyone goes through really bad times and how you handle it defines your character.

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of Start Talking: A Girl’s Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever. Read more about the book at www.StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at www.maryjorapini.com.