Post-Holiday Blues: 5 Tips for Coping
As of now, most people have returned to school or work and back to their regular routines. While routine can be a great thing, it can also be hard to return to "normal life." From Thanksgiving all the way to New Year's Eve, it can be a busy time of almost non-stop activities, travel, and/or spending time with family and friends - for some people. For others, it can be a prolonged period of loneliness, grief, financial stress and general overwhelm.
No matter what you felt during the holiday season, the transition into January can be difficult (for many reasons) and the sad or empty feelings you may encounter during this time are not only common but can also be referred to as the "post-holiday blues." Combine this with the generally gloomy and cold January weather, it can influence your mental health and overall well-being.
The good news is that these feelings are usually temporary and can go away with time and helpful coping skills, some which are mentioned below:
1. Give Yourself Time. The new year tends to be a time that many people signal as a “fresh start” and feel as if they need to be productive immediately. However, it is okay if you are still adjusting to your routine after the busy holiday season - make sure to give yourself time to settle into the new year!
2. Plan Ahead. Another way to help get through the post-holiday blues is to schedule something to look forward to, even if it is a few months out. Maybe it is a long-weekend trip somewhere or a concert from one of your favorite artists or a Broadway play. It can also be something less expensive (but just as fun), such as planning a lunch with a friend or scheduling a local art class. No matter what it is, scheduling something fun to look forward to outside of work, school, etc., can be a good way to get through these gloomy winter months!
3. Get Outside. As many of the major holidays are now over and the weather is getting colder, it is easy to find ourselves staying inside more often. While this may be the easiest (and most tempting) option, it is important to try and get outside every day, if you’re able to. Even 10-15 minutes of fresh air can help boost mood. Other activities include planning a fun activity with a friend, going to the library or even working remotely from a cafe instead of your home.
4. Stress Reduction. Post-holiday stress and burnout can be very real and common, which is why it can be helpful to implement stress management techniques. Some of these techniques can include deep breathing exercises, body scans, yoga, and/or meditation. Other relaxing and stress-reducing activities can include coloring, reading or watching a funny movie/video.
5. Connect with Others. During this time, it can also be easy to self-isolate, but this may only make your mood worse. Instead, call a friend or family member on the phone or meet up with them in-person, if possible. If you feel comfortable doing so, maybe even communicate with people close to you how you’re feeling, so you don’t keep it all inside.
The post-holiday blues are generally associated with getting back to “normal” life and routine after a possibly busy, stressful and/or emotional holiday season. The post-holiday blues, however, tend to also be temporary as the further away we get away from the holiday season.
If you find yourself in a continuing state of distress or low mood many weeks and/or months afterwards, this could indicate something more serious and clinical, such as Major Depressive Disorder and/or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression related to seasonal changes. If this is the case, it could be a good idea to seek out the support of a mental health professional.
If you need support now or just need someone to talk to, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by texting or calling 988. You are not alone.
Staff Blogger: Mollie Clupper
Mollie Clupper works for MHA as a Communications and Support Specialist. Using her own experiences, she wants to help bring awareness and end the stigma surrounding mental health. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, drinking coffee, and spending time with loved ones.