The holidays have returned and once again the world is engulfed in love, and everywhere you look people are buying gifts for their special someone to express just how much they love them. This is a beautiful time of year, unless of course you are one of the 15 million people who suffer from depression or are one of the many people who have lost a loved one. I want to remind you that you are not alone, and it is through the love you show others and the connections that you make through this season that you will find happiness. Love is as vital to your mind and body as oxygen, and the more connected you are, the healthier you will be emotionally and physically. Love is the best antidepressant, and in order to experience love you have to go out and actively show it. A common misconception in popular culture is that love will just happen, and when it does, it will sweep you off your feet. Waiting around for love will leave you stranded and lonely, so take action and make the effort to fill your life with love. The best way to do that is to change your approach to love. Here are three simple strategies to help you curb the depression and loneliness and fill your holiday with love.Love yourself: Take time each day to do one thing that helps you to take care of yourself in a positive and caring way. Whether you like to run, do yoga, play tennis, or get a massage, find something uplifting and challenging so that you feel accomplished within yourself. Love your friends and family: This is the time to reach out and reconnect with everyone in your life who you haven't kept in contact with over the year. Make a phone call, write an e-mail, or send a card. Make plans to meet up for coffee, dinner, or a play, and use this time to check in and remember why these people are so special to you. Love a stranger: There are always those less fortunate than you, and this is the season to reach out a helping hand and put a smile on their faces. Volunteer your time and donate gifts and goods for a local charity. The more you help others, the better you'll feel about yourself.