Who would have thought the recession would drag on for so long. But here it is the holiday season and things are still a bit grim for us and the economy. So here is some advice from some successful women entrepreneurs:

1. Take on new projects- From coming up with new cost-cutting initiatives to volunteering to head up a project, one of the best things you can do to lift your spirits is to pitch in where help is needed. Taking action will give you a sense of control over your work life, while increasing your skill set will keep you motivated.

2. Don’t engage in pity parties – Coffee-break chatter about layoffs or pay cuts will only make you feel worse. Save your complaints for outside the office – with your non-office friends or spouse. Keep the conversation with office buddies neutral.

3. Create you own mini-goals – Come in early one day a week or set up a brainstorming session with your supervisor. Creating goals energizes you and gives you a sense of accomplishment, which will help you stay on track when work is slow.

4. Invest in yourself – attend a networking event or take a class. While these activities may not have an immediate payoff, expanding your business network and learning new skills will keep you inspired and might help you get hired when the economy gets better.

5. Find fun outside of work – Find one non-work-related activity that is exciting to you. Take a pottery class, a yoga class, volunteer somewhere – whatever sound fun. The important thing is that you get engrossed in this activity and forget about stress at work.