Feeling blue after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? It’s typical for some of us to get wrapped up in a depressed mood once the fast, busy pace of the holiday season — from Christmas to New Year’s to all the other holidays that meld during the last month of the year – comes to a close. Here are a few ways to beat the after-holiday blues.
- Expect the let-down. Do you always fall into a slump after the holidays? Remember your past experiences to understand what your normal post-holiday feelings are. If you have been depressed after the holidays for the past two years, then the chances are you will be depressed after this holiday season, too. Focus on what was successful last year to get out of your slump and repeat what relaxed you.
- Take a look at the benefits of the post-holiday time. Take it easy when you are settling back down into your usual routine. When you are rested you will have a renewed perspective on your work, study, or home life. Maybe take this time to look at your life and take a self-assessment on your life, job, and relationships. Perhaps make some changes if needed. If continue to do the same things over and over again, you will stay in your rut. Change can mix things up and get you out of your blues.
- Be smart about your New Year’s resolutions. Make sure that any goals you make are reasonable and attainable. When you make too lofty of a goal, you are more likely to fail and continue your depressed state. Change is good and successful change makes you feel great. Make multiple, attainable goals that will give you that feeling of accomplishment and keep you on the path to success.
- Make plans with people. If spending time with people is what made the holidays special for you, then make plans to continue seeing people. Go to a movie, make a nice dinner, or go running with someone. Get to know new people and try new activities.
- Make healthy choices. Any healthy choice will boost your serotonin levels, which will make you happier. Eating healthy foods that contain tryptophan (the building block for serotonin) including bananas, poultry, dairy produce, and green veggies will build over time to create a higher level of serotonin in your body. Exercise also releases serotonin and combats lethargy and weight gain while giving you a much-needed mood-boost.
- Get professional financial help if needed. If you used your credit cards or overspent during the holiday, then the bills are coming soon and your bank account took a hit. This can cause depression, but now is a good time to talk to a professional that may help guide you to financial security. Asking for help sooner than later will help alleviate stress.
- Look forward to the year ahead. If you have big plans for the year, start looking forward to them. Going to someone’s wedding? Taking a big trip? Contact the person getting married and talk about their experiences. Call the people you are going on the trip with and do a get-together. Create a build-up leading to the event. This will help you look forward to new experiences while keeping your spirits high.
Do you have any tips for getting out of the post-holiday funk? Leave a comment below or tell us your story.
