The presents have been unwrapped and all the visitors have made their way home. It’s been go, go, go, but all of the parties are over, and the champagne bottles have been tossed into the recycling bin. After all the preparation and anticipation, the holidays have come to end. Now it’s time for life to resume normalcy, which always causes the post-holiday blues to rear their ugly heads. This year, I’ve decided to be proactive and come up with ways for beating the post-holiday blues.
What are the Post-Holiday Blues?
In case you are unfamiliar, the post-holiday blues is that crash you may feel after the holidays are over. In my case, October-December is my jam. My house is decorated for Halloween, then Thanksgiving, and finally Christmas. I love attending or hosting parties during those months. After spending weeks celebrating though, it’s suddenly time to return to normal. All of a sudden, the house is bare, and there is nothing to really look forward to. That can bring about feelings of depression. Not to mention Michigan weather isn’t exactly uplifting that time of year (you can read about seasonal affective disorder here).
What can we do?
We all know the saying that knowledge is power right? Well, that is definitely true when it comes to the post-holiday blues. Instead of sitting around and waiting for that crash to happen, I’ve decided to come up with a list of how I am going to try to beat the post-holiday blues.
1. Schedule something you look forward to.
This doesn’t have to be anything over the top. For me it will be to invite some friends (and their kids) over for a simple play date. Or you can leave the kids at home and hit up a local coffee shop to chat with an adult. Whatever it is that can put a smile on your face, do it.
2. Get active.
In the words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins; endorphins make you happy and happy people just don’t shoot their husbands!” And while we aren’t trying to win a fictional murder case, I do believe there is some truth in this statement. If I am in a bad mood and go for a run, I wind up happier. This doesn’t mean run out and join a gym if you don’t want to; there are plenty of free workout videos you can do from the comfort of your own home. Plus, you can even find fun “workouts” you can do with your kids!
3. Get outside.
Now I know, I know. January in Michigan isn’t exactly the best time to get outside. Getting the kids bundled up takes a lot of time. But that fresh air really does do wonders. Plus, you can get a little activity in and kill two birds with one stone!
4. Set a small goal for yourself.
I’m not talking about New Year resolution-type goals. But small ones. Maybe you want to learn how to do some hand lettering? Set a goal of buying a book (or printing up some free sheets from the internet). Want to learn how to knit? Get some yarn and needles, find a simple pattern, and start practicing! Learn a new language, find a great program, and get started!
Do you suffer from the post holiday blues?
What are some of your ways of coping with them?
Please note I am not a therapist or psychologist. If you feel your thoughts are severe, or may be more than the post-holiday blues, please seek guidance from someone who is certified.
