Coping With Post-Holiday Blues
Coping With Post-Holiday Blues
Blog Article
The holiday season often brings intense emotions, from joy and excitement to stress and exhaustion. When the holidays end, it’s common to experience low mood—what many people call the “post-holiday blues.” This post-holiday time can feel like a let-down, especially after weeks of celebration, socializing, and high expectations. The good news is that these feelings are usually temporary, and there are ways to cope.
Here’s a guide to understanding and dealing with the post-holiday blues. (Note that the post-holiday blues are different than seasonal affective disorder.)
Why Do the Post-Holiday Blues Happen?
The post-holiday blues can happen for several reasons: The emotional highs and lows of the holidays are over; you are having financial stress and experiencing the aftermath of holiday spending; there are shorter days and colder weather, potentially causing or increasing seasonal affective disorder; your expectations for the holidays weren’t met; and you have exhaustion after weeks of planning, celebrating, or just focusing on getting through the holidays.
Understanding these triggers is the first step in addressing the post-holiday blues. Next, you’ll learn practical strategies to help you cope.
Gradually Get Back to a Routine
Transitioning back to your pre-holiday schedule can feel overwhelming. Ease into your routine by setting small, achievable goals for the first few weeks after the holidays. This will help you regain some structure without feeling too much pressure.
Practice Self-Compassion
It’s easy to be hard on yourself for feeling down, especially when others seem to have moved on without issues. Instead, acknowledge your emotions without judgment. Many people feel down after the holiday season. Reflect on what the holidays meant to you and why their end feels bittersweet. Journaling can help you process these emotions and identify your needs moving forward.
Plan Something to Look Forward To
There is a lot of unstructured time after the holidays. Create new events or milestones to look forward to, no matter how small. Things to look forward to include scheduling a coffee date with a friend, planning a day trip, discovering something new in your town, or starting a new hobby.
Having something to look forward to can help you regain your excitement and give you a fresh perspective on the months ahead.
Focus on Financial Health
If holiday spending has left you stressed, take proactive steps to regain control over your finances. Create a budget for the new year and develop a plan to pay off any debts. Look at budgeting apps and see if one may work for you. If you are new to budgeting, watch a few videos, read an article, or talk with a trusted friend who uses a budget. Seeing a clear path forward can reduce your anxiety and help you feel more empowered.
Remember that meaningful experiences don’t always require spending. Look for free or low-cost activities, like visiting local parks, attending community events, or exploring creative hobbies.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise is a proven mood booster. Physical activity increases your brain’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, both of which can decrease feelings of sadness and improve your overall well-being (Pahlavani, 2024). Even a short daily walk outdoors can make a big difference Report this page