Ward off Post-Holiday Blues

The company is gone, the house is quiet.  All the gifts have been exchanged, and it’s time to take the lights and decorations down. The holidays are officially over, and if you’re feeling a little blue, you’re not alone.

It’s common to experience a sense of let down after holiday season.  Many feel disappointed as that special holiday energy fades away.  For others, the reality of the holidays didn’t live up to the weeks and months of expectation or anticipation.  Whether from unmet expectations, unrealistic resolutions, a return to loneliness, or guilt about overindulgence, post-holiday blues can affect anyone.

Try to ward off post-holiday blues with the following tips:

Stay connected.  If you’re missing the camaraderie of loved ones, why not plan a post-holiday get together?  Head out to a football game together, or host a dessert and hot cocoa party at your home.  Whatever you choose to do, make it a priority to spend time with those you enjoy.  For distant friends and relatives, staying connected has never been easier with Skype, email, and social media.

Give Back.  Whether you want to volunteer, make a donation, or help out a neighbor, friend, or co-worker in need, doing something for others is a great way to maintain the generosity and spirit of the holiday season all year long.

Live Healthy.  A little fresh air, exercise, and good nourishment can really enhance mood and energy levels during the post-holiday letdown.  It’s especially important to watch sugar, caffeine, and alcohol consumption, and to get plenty of rest.

Talk it out.  Many people experience a rollercoaster of emotions during the holidays—some highs and lows, laughter and tears, love and conflict.  And sometimes people feel guilty for feeling sad, lonely, or disappointed during a time that should be ‘happy.’  But it’s okay to feel all sorts of emotions.  Sometimes, simply talking about what’s bothering you can be a major relief.