The most wonderful time of the year is also the season of high heating bills, black ice, and vitamin-D deficiency — it’s not all good tidings and cheer. But if there’s anything musician, entertainer, and motivational speaker Andrew W.K. knows, it’s partying and positivity.
“I’ve noticed that sometimes people get stressed around the holidays because of a combination of obligations to friends, family, parties, and a necessity to get certain jobs done before the end of the year,” W.K. says. “The intensity of the atmosphere is kind of amped up in general.”
Luckily for us, the invincible and controversial “King of Partying” offered some advice to help shake a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder and to stay positive into the New Year. If these tips don’t work, just party the pain away tonight as he performs at the Worcester Palladium.
Transcend. “Remember to try to separate yourself as much as possible from the sources of stress. It doesn’t mean don’t participate in these things, but do them in a light-hearted way. Don’t forget that the holidays should be fun and enjoyable.”
There’s always next year. “You don’t have to make a big deal of it. You don’t have to buy tons of gifts or go to every single event. The good thing about yearly traditions you get to do it all again.”
Keep the conversation light. “When folks have had negative vibes toward friends and family during the holidays, it’s often to do with conversation topics brought up at the dinner table or at get-togethers. When discussions have turned to topics like politics and religious beliefs, obviously, these very passionate subjects and can bring out passionate responses in people. But maybe this time of year, it’s best not to have too many opinions. In the spirit of the holidays, try to focus on good cheer — discussions like these are best left for another time.”
Be awesome. “New Year’s resolutions are a great idea, but I’d never let the pressures of making or having one keep me from realizing that every day is like the beginning of a new year. I like the sense of closure at the end of a year and the optimistic sense of starting fresh, but we also have the opportunity to do that whenever ever we need to. Resolve to be awesome all the time.”
