Overcoming Post Holiday Blues
Do you suffer from post-holiday blues? The holidays are often a whirlwind of activity and excitement, coupled with a busy shopping schedule, school programs, and gatherings with friends and family. If you experience emotional disappointment after the holidays, there are many things you can do to lift your spirits and overcome the emotional letdown.
These strategies will boost your spirits and get your New Year off to a great start:
- Use the extra time you now have for yourself.
Now that the holiday buzz is over, it’s time to think. What do you like about your life? What would you like to change? - Think of small goals that you want to achieve.
Do you finally want to clear out the hall closet? Maybe you can now complete that project your boss asked you to do.
- It is a good time to make a list of all the minor tasks you want to get done. A list can help you focus on your goals. Plus, it’s wonderful to draw a line through a goal you have achieved.
- It is a good time to make a list of all the minor tasks you want to get done. A list can help you focus on your goals. Plus, it’s wonderful to draw a line through a goal you have achieved.
- Focus on yourself for a change.
Now is the time to refine personal desires and goals. Perhaps you want to exercise more or spend more time with your children. Think about how you might make the desired changes and take small steps toward your big goals. - Pursue an interest.
We all have those interests we hope to “get to” one day. Now that you have some free time, why not go for it? Dig into the subject that caught your eye or start the photography class you’ve been wanting to take.
If you’re not sure what interests you, do some research. Visit your local library and browse through books and magazines. Also, search through the newspaper. You’ll most likely find a few topics or activities you would like more information on. - Have a dinner party.
You will have plenty of time to plan and prepare for this event with the people you really care about. You will enjoy yourself and your mood will improve. - Renew and refresh your environment.
Have you wanted to rearrange the furniture in a room or two? Maybe you want to paint the walls or make new curtains. Redecorating your surroundings is a perfect way to ring in a new year and banish the winter blues at the same time.
Re-focusing on your surroundings and thinking about any changes you want to make will help you de-focus from the doldrums. - Reconnect with an old friend.
There is something wonderful about making that call you have been wanting to make. Hearing your friend’s voice again will bring you great joy. It could be an old neighborhood friend, a former college roommate, or a past co-worker that you were once good friends with.
If you’re feeling down now that the holidays are behind you, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll rise above those post-holiday blues when you try some of these strategies.
Taking some quality time for yourself during this period can lighten your mood immensely and ignite your excitement about the year ahead.
