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What are post-holiday blues? -

Post-holiday blues is the sadness you feel after the holiday season is over. It's basically a letdown that happens after a busy, happy season.

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What causes post-holiday blues? -

There are many factors as to why you might experience post-holiday blues. You'll discover some of them in the following slides.

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Time of year -

Due to the fact that the clock turns back one hour in autumn, it may take time for you to adjust to the time change. As it gets darker earlier, you'll feel tired and less energized.

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Alcohol consumption -

Alcohol is often part of holiday celebrations, and drinking booze has been shown to contribute to symptoms of depression.

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Pre-mental health conditions -

If a person already deals with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, the post-holiday season can have a further negative impact.

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Overeating -

Holiday gatherings often mean indulging in your favorite foods and desserts. However, eating unhealthily can leave you feeling down.

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Busyness -

The holiday season is filled with parties and outings, which contribute to lots of joy. Once it's over, it can leave an empty void.

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Lack of sleep -

Whether from the busyness of holiday preparations, or excitement from festivities, the holidays can mess with your sleep.

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Financial strain -

Also, financial trouble from all the partying and gift-buying can cause holiday blues.

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Set boundaries for the holidays -

Post-holiday blues may be triggered by holiday events. This is especially true if you're obligated to attend one with family members you have issues with, or have to participate in traditions you don’t enjoy. This can lead to feelings of frustration, so set boundaries.

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Change the way you think -

Some people spend the holiday season dreading what comes after. Instead, change these unhelpful thoughts with cognitive reframing. For example, instead of thinking that January will be horrible, focus on what’s important to you now and be grateful for what the season brings.

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Prepare a list of activities ahead of time -

Come up with a list of activities you would like to do. It could something like reading a new book, or trying out a different exercise.

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Establish a self-care routine -

Keeping a self-care routine can be challenging during the holidays. But making time for yourself can help you transition smoothly from one season to the next. It might be simply going for a walk, or getting a coffee with a friend.

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Use the buddy system -

After the whirlwind of social events, the sudden calmness can bring up feelings of isolation and loneliness. If you’re anticipating post-holiday blues, give someone you trust a heads-up. It can help you continue to feel connected.

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Practice gratitude -

Practicing gratitude during the holiday season can allow you to carry on those good feelings into the new year. It also increases life satisfaction.

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Schedule events for after the holidays -

Some post-holiday blues consist of reflecting on how infrequently people see their family and friends during the year. Make plans with those whose company you’d like to keep.

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Cope on-the-fly -

Even if you have a support system and coping mechanisms prepared, post-holiday blues can still be challenging. If negative feelings get the best of you, try to acknowledge them, then reframe all them as information, and focus on what you have.

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Get some exercise -

Sitting and eating all day can make you feel down. And once the holiday pass, you may feel guilty. Try to incorporate some quick exercises during the holiday. It will instantly lift your mood.

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Avoid large meals at night -

While this can be hard on the days when you have holiday dinners, try to avoid large meals at night when you're home. You'll sleep better, and you're less likely to feel triggered later.

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Talk to somebody verbally, not by texting -

If there's someone you enjoy having around, call them! And rather than complaining about your mood, ask them about the best part of their holiday.

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(Re)read greeting cards -

Reading greeting cards will help you get into someone else's memory bank for a while. It's a fun way to "escape" from the holiday madness. If you don't have any holiday cards, look for old letters.

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Get out of the house -

Break away a bit from that indoor atmosphere by stepping out. Even on a gray day, letting yourself have some time outside raises your energy.

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Look forward, not backward -

Contemplate one thing you'd love to happen in the new year. Then make a plan to bring it into being.

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Start cooking -

Try cooking some meals that aren't holiday food. It will give your place a new aroma, and break away from everything being related to festival feasting.

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Avoid conflicts as much as possible -

The holidays can be a stressful period, and conflicts can occur. Try to avoid them, and if possible, prepare a neutral response. You'll be less likely to dwell on the situation in the new year.

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Slide out of the holidays -

If you're going to watch TV or do another activity, pick something unrelated to the festive season. This way you're not entirely consumed by holiday-related content.

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Line up professional help -

If post-holiday blues typically hit you hard, ensure you have professional support on the ready. For example, you could set up a therapy session for the day after Christmas.

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Takeaway -

Post-holiday blues are a normal response to adjusting to life after the winter holidays. Discover ways to ease into the new year, and have support lined up. 

Sources: (Healthline) (Psychology Today) (Psych Central)

See also: Holiday health and safety tips 

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