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After picking up the wrapping paper, putting together new toys and waving goodbye to friends and family, we slump on the couch and feel the slide from excitement and anticipation to feeling down, exhausted, and depressed. If this is you, you’ve got the “Post-Holiday Blues.”
There is a mix of emotions many feel after the holiday season (e.g., exhaustion, loneliness, disappointment, or stress). This article offers practical tips to overcome these feelings and ease into the new year with positivity.
How the end of festivities, social gatherings, and the return to routine can affect mental well-being in many people. This emotional "letdown" follows the excitement of the holidays and can be a source of stress and discomfort. But not to worry. It’s temporary and manageable.
· Disappointment after the holiday excitement
· The stress of returning to work or school
· Financial strain from holiday spending
· Feelings of loneliness or isolation after family gatherings
People can feel a myriad of emotions, such as sadness, irritability, and lack of motivation. Physical symptoms crop up too. Fatigue, difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite are common after the holidays. Many people feel the need to withdraw socially after a full social calendar. The need to rest and recharge is normal but keep watch if you lose interest in activities you once enjoyed. That can be a sign of depression.
Self-Care and Rest: I can’t stress enough the importance of getting enough sleep and rest to recharge physically and mentally. Create a relaxing routine to wind down from the holiday chaos. Take time each day to rest, engage in self-care and quiet practices, such as journaling or meditation. If that’s not your jam, just sit quietly outside for a few minutes and breathe in the fresh air. Give yourself time to return to your normal routine.
Stop with the New Year’s Resolutions: While it’s important to set realistic goals and expectations for the New Year, many resolutions fail because they are too big and unrealistic. Avoid the pressure of grand New Year’s resolutions. Focus on small, achievable goals throughout the year, not just in January.
Stay Active and Engaged: Physical activity can boost mood and combat feelings of sluggishness. Limit the intensity for a while so you don’t over-stress your system. It’s also important to maintain social connections, even if it’s just small, low-key gatherings.
Reframe the Narrative: Embrace the fresh start of a new year by setting small, positive intentions. This is a time to focus on the positives of the season ending, such as time for personal growth and new opportunities. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness can lift spirits and help you stay present and calm.
This is a time for finding joy in simplicity. Engage in simple winter activities during this time, like winter walks, cozy reading, or cooking a warm meal. Revel in quiet time, detox from indulgent food, sweets and alcohol, and learn to appreciate the inner peace of the winter months.
When to seek professional help: if you find yourself with deeper feelings of sadness or depression, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, and if you can’t get yourself out of a funk, talk to a professional. These may be symptoms of underlying depression. Support groups, online communities, or talking to a trusted friend are great options as well.
Be kind to yourselves during the post-holiday adjustment. It’s normal to feel a bit down after the holidays, but it’s possible to bounce back. Embrace the new year with hope and self-compassion. Take time to adjust to a normal routine and find joy in the simple things.
I invite you to share your own tips for overcoming post-holiday blues in the comments or on social media.
Want more support? Drop me a note: jtighe@soulutionsforhealth.com.
