4 Ways to Battle the Post-Holiday Blues

YOU CAN WIN THE BATTLE AGAINS THE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES

Post-holiday blues are a real thing! Did you know about 25% of Americans suffer from them? In the aftermath of the holidays, many people experience mild to full-blown depression.*

So while everyone else seems to be preparing and planning with hope and promise for the New Year ahead, you’re not feeling it…and that’s okay. There are some legitimate reasons you may be feeling down. But the good news is, there is plenty you can do to lift your spirits.

WHY THE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES?

1.     The Holiday Buildup Can Lead to a Letdown – Let’s face it, the twinkling lights, cheery music, festive celebrations grace our towns and stores the day after Thanksgiving at the very latest. Then we’re off and running with parties to attend, children’s assemblies, special church services, shopping, decorating, indulging in favorite foods and drinks. There’s a whole lot of merrymaking going on…and then, it all comes to a screeching halt on January 2. All that prep and then it’s over!

2.     Unmet Expectations – Maybe you set your sights just a little too high. You imagined the whole season would be magical, but even at Christmastime, real life happens and disappointment can creep in. The kids had one cold after the other. Your husband didn’t get you that one thing you were counting on (and you feel guilty for caring). Uninvited family tensions showed up right in the middle of the Christmas feast.

3.     Overspending – Despite your best efforts, you spent too much…again. And now you’ve got more bills than money. You’re kicking yourself because your seven-year-old shows more interest in coloring than in the $150 building set you splurged on. Here again, you’re not alone. Research reports the average person spends $500 over what they planned.

4.     Returning to the Daily Grind – Our normal everyday lives can appear dull compared to the excitement of the holidays. There’s something extra – entertainment, events, visual and audio stimulation – happening all the time. And while many mamas may be ready for the school break to be over, there’s also something to be said for our slower work and family pace for those days between Christmas and New Year’s.

5.     Regrets About What You Haven’t Done – As the New Year rolls around, we may take a look back and feel discouraged. We could be looking at our Vision Boards or considering our One Word for the New Year and realizing we kind of forgot about them. We might be thinking we didn’t accomplish much at all.

4 WAYS TO BATTLE THE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES

The good news is there is plenty we can do to battle the Post-Holiday Blues. With a little intention and action, we can win the fight against feeling blah. Here are a few ideas:

1.     Make Plans for a Fun Future – There is no reason why you can’t enjoy gatherings, a day trip, coffee with a friend, family game night after the holidays. If you know you experience mild depression post-holiday, connecting with or getting out and about with friends and family can help.

2.     Make a Got-Done List Before Your To-Do List – While it’s always a good idea to reflect on the past year, don’t camp on it. Set aside some time to go over your past goals, resolutions, One Word for the New Year, Vision Board. Celebrate what you did do…and carry the goals that are most important into this next year.

3.     Get Your Holiday Budget Together Now – Put together an envelope for cash, open a special savings account, and yes you can even put money away in a Christmas Club account. Take a realistic look at your holiday expenses this past year, decide on an amount for next Christmas, and start saving.

4.     Counter Negative Thoughts with Positive Thoughts – What are you thinking? What are you saying to yourself? If you’re feeling badly, chances are your self-talk could use some adjusting. Get a piece of paper, a journal, or open a document on your computer. Make a list of the negative things you’re thinking and then counter them with a more positive thought. For example:

• “I barely got anything done last year.” Counter this with the truth, “I actually made some new connections and worked on my fitness. I’d like to concentrate on sales this year.”

• “I’m just feeling so unmotivated,” can be countered with, “I’m making plans today for the next few weeks so I have something to look forward to.”

FIVE-MINUTE FIXES CAN ADD UP

There are lots of little things we can do to lift our spirits too.

• There is no question that thankfulness breeds happiness. Take just a few minutes each day to list three things you’re grateful for.

• Go for a five-minute walk even on a cold day. A breath of fresh air and a little movement can clear your head - increase focus and decrease lethargy.

• Call a friend you’ve been meaning to call and chat for a few minutes.

• Turn on some music you love! Find a few go-to songs that make you want to get up and dance or do a few crunches.

ARE YOU DEALING WITH THE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES? I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR TIPS ON HOW YOU WIN THE BATTLE!

*If you can’t seem to overcome the blues, seek professional help.