Navigating the Post-Holiday Blues
Written By: Emily Beck
January 5, 2024
The holidays are a complicated time of year. There are a lot of expectations, and often a lot of responsibilities to various friends and family. Combined with traditions, things to do, and gifts to purchase, November and December are often extremely busy and exhausting.
But what happens in January and February when the holidays are over? When we take down the decorations, have unwrapped all the gifts, and are faced with a normal work week and a fridge full of leftovers. How can you navigate the disappointment and comedown that often happens after a bustling holiday season, looked forward to all year long?
Some Post-Holiday Tips:
Manage your expectations- The better you are prepared for what the holidays will actually bring, versus what you hope they will be, the less frantic you will feel during the holiday season, and the easier the comedown will be. Remind yourself what previous years were like, what was life giving, and what felt like it sucked out all of your energy.
Have something to look forward to- Start a new class in the new year, plan a trip, or even just save a new season of a TV show. Having something to look forward to come January will help a lot with the post-holiday comedown.
Talk about it- January is a difficult time of year for many people. Talking about it can normalize what you’re feeling and help you to feel much less alone. Therapy is a great option for having someone to talk to about your feelings.
Avoid the “New Years Resolution” trap- Having the idea that everything will change come January 1st is a recipe for disappointment. Resolutions are not all bad, but expecting that your life will be dramatically different is pretty unhelpful. Instead, set small goals throughout the year, or set a “Word of the year”- a word you want to embody for the coming year.
Try not to isolate yourself- It can be hard not to want to just curl up under a blanket and wait for spring. Spending time with friends and loved ones can be life-giving, and can help make the winter months much more pleasant.
Understand your body’s natural rhythms- In the winter, our bodies may not have as much energy as they do during the summer. We may crave more rest, want to go to bed earlier, enjoy activities that require a little less movement. Listen to your body. What does it need? What is it telling you?
Hydrate- In winter, when the heat is turned on and there is less moisture in the air, paying attention to our bodies needs for hydration is especially important. Making sure you get enough water is not only great for your body, it’s great for your mental health as well. Our bodies don’t function as well when we are dehydrated, and, as a result, neither do our minds.
All of these tips can and should be used the rest of the year as well. Surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones, taking care of your body, avoiding unrealistic expectations, and having support year round can help to make this time of year overall less difficult.
Understanding what you are feeling, and recognizing your emotions for what they are, can make a big difference. If you need help, ask for it. If you find that the post holiday blues are feeling like they’re lasting longer than you’re accustomed to, or you’re feeling like you might benefit from talking to someone, it’s never a bad time to start therapy. Give us a call today at 217-203-2008 or email us at Info@champaigncounseling.com
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