7 Tips to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues
“It’s all over now, baby blue.” Bob Dylan may have been referring to the end of a love affair in that refrain, but it rings true for most of us after all the hoopla of the holidays. There is so much buzz, so much activity, during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, that just the lack of action after January 1 is enough to cause some people anxiety, feelings of disappointment and depression.
If you’re one of those people who tends to succumb to the post-holiday blues, try simplifying your schedule and approaching the new year with a fresh anticipation of what’s to come. Rather than focusing on creating a set of resolutions or goals, choose one thing that you’d like to do differently or change about your life. Picking — and sticking to — one goal is easier than five or six.
In addition to simplifying your goals, here are some tips for boosting your energy, mental health, and overall outlook on life for the new year:
1. If your holiday schedule had you overlooking your support-group community, go back to your AA meetings or another group that will help you with addictions that might have been activated during the holidays. With the stress of Christmas and increased party attendance, several of my patients started drinking again. I have found this to be a common occurrence with those struggling with addictive behavior.
2. Assess the damage excessive holiday shopping did to your bank account and establish a new savings plan. Regaining a sense of financial control can boost your mental health and alleviate stress. If necessary, seek the assistance of a financial counselor or money manager.
3. Join a new health club or hire a trainer to get back in shape. If you found you gained a few pounds over the holidays, then embrace January as the time to take those pounds off. If you can’t afford a health club or trainer, get out and walk daily or walk up and down the stairs of your apartment house or office building. Exercise, even just 20 minutes several times per week, is one of the simplest ways to improve your mood and reduce anxiety.
4. If possible, plan a trip for January or February, and go to a place you haven’t yet visited. A change of environment does wonders for your mood and forces your brain to change. In my experience, just having to deal with new places can activate different parts of our brains, and patients often report that a change in scenery (or place) elevates their mood.