Love 'em or hate 'em, the holidays are here, and while for some it's the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year," for others it means holiday blues and winter blahs.

Did you know up to 25% of humans suffer some form of the winter blues? For some it's Seasonal Affective Disorder, but for most it's just a combination of the holidays, the cold, and the dark.

Whatever your reason, and to whatever extent, this kat's here with a few tips to get you through the holiday doldrums.

First, a few basic tips.

• Ease off the alcohol. Not only is it a mood depressant, it's an immune depressant, too. The last thing you need when you're feeling low is a virus or worse.

• Sugar's not your friend, either. While turning to a cookie out of upset may seem like a good idea, sugar too can depress immune function as much as 90% for up to five hours. Too much sugar can also feed the bad bacteria in your gut, which then crowd out the good guys who help regulate important mood chemicals like serotonin.

• Keep your body moving. While the dark, cold nights of winter may have you wanting to hibernate, nothing could be worse for a case of the blues. Exercise directly impacts the brain by releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins), reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression, and increasing body temperature (which may have calming effects).

• Turn up the radio. While holiday carols may have you wanting to ban music until the new year, the Cochrane Collaboration published a review on the clinical significance of music therapy in treating depression. 

• Spread the love. There's no better time to volunteer. Try your church, synagogue, or local community center. Consider reading Christmas stories at the local library, helping at a food kitchen, visiting a nursing home, or sending a card to a soldier. Nothing beats the blues like helping someone less fortunate than yourself -- just ask Teri, who told this kat, "We may not have a clinical study to back it up, but in the land of Teri, helping others is the best."

Turn to Supplements to Ease the Blues, Too!

SAM-e - A winter staple for many who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAM-e has a long-standing reputation. SAM-e increases the action of several neurotransmitters by helping them bind to cell receptors. SAM-e also helps maintain mitochondrial function, thus increasing energy production in the brain. As as added bonus around flu season, SAM-e increases  glutathione production, the body's most potent antioxidant.

Folate - Folate levels are crucial, especially when it comes to mood. Low folate levels have been linked with higher incidences of depression, especially in those who don't respond well to anti-depressants. Low folate levels have also been linked with cognitive decline. Interestingly, folate deficiency leads to lower levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) in the brain. 

Omega-3s - While more famous for its effects on heart health and overall inflammation, it seems there is little in the body fish oil doesn't support. High-dose fish oil helps increase serotonin levels, thus boosting moods. 

Panax Ginseng - As an adaptogen, ginseng can support your system in rebalancing itself, especially in boosting energy and lowering stress levels.