APRIL: So how's your mood this week? Overwhelmed? A little blue?

This time of year can often lead to depression. Too many jobs to do, family clashing at holiday gatherings, it can all lead you to feel down - and miss workouts. Are you already missing workouts for days at a time? Do you beat yourself up about it? What do you do to keep working out and combat the blues?

THERESA: This time of year can be a real drag. My gym time seems to be out the window this past week. I'm too busy with shopping and work and getting stuff wrapped and eating way too much food. I feel bad about it, but that's just the way it is. But I do realize it's not going to be like this forever. I've resolved to meet with my trainer again after we've had a pretty long break, and we're going to have a session the first week of January. So I have that to look forward to, even if I'm a slug through the holidays.

ELLEN: I'm finding my workouts to be indispensable. I just feel so much better about eating a little more or having a glass of wine. I feel so mellow the days I hit the gym that it keeps me going. I really don't know how I got through this time of year when my kids were little and I didn't have time to sleep much less take care of my body.

THERESA: This is inspiring, Ellen. I know you're right. My holiday pattern can be a little maddening-- I get to feeling too busy and stressed to work out, then I feel MORE stressed because I'm not exercising. Not because I feel guilty-- like I say, I know I'll get back to my gym routine pretty soon, and I've only taken a few days off so far. But I feel stressed because for me, exercise is an essential anti-stress pill. I'm going through serious exercise withdrawal...

But right now I'm too full from office parties today to feel like running, AND I have to get to church choir practice tonight, and wrap more packages to get them mailed even at this late date. That's just the way it is.

APRIL: I agree that one of the biggest anti-workout culprits for me in the past couple of weeks is the total disruption of my typical schedule. I am going to more business lunches as the holidays approach, I am eating more in-office goodies and I am generally too exhausted even by 3 p.m. to consider an afternoon or evening workout.

ELLEN: Yes, I know. My kids are older and we've toned down the holidays. I have delayed my workouts later in the day and come in late to work just because I need the stress buster. You have a very understanding boss and you probably can come in late Friday or not at all! :)

THERESA: Yay! There IS that!

So, how's everyone else coping right now? Are you keeping up with your workouts? Have any advice to share?