After the excitement of the holiday rush is over, many people may feel sad, lonely or depressed. This is very common. Try these suggestions below to beat the holiday blues.
Follow your usual schedule. Re-create your pre-holiday routine, and be sure to exercise as often as possible. Regular routines of self-care can help the post-holiday blues fade away.
Practice moderation. Rather than continuing to splurge on holiday feasts, get back to a healthy diet with reasonable portions. Use holiday leftovers for an occasional treat, but try to serve better portions! Eating better will help you feel more energized.
Get enough sleep and exercise. It is important to make sure you are resting and getting regular exercise after family and friends come to visit. Take a daily walk to enjoy the outdoors, or try a new workout.
Be realistic. Take things day by day, and make a to-do list for the week. Work on one item at a time, and set reasonable goals for yourself. Make sure to set aside time for fun, too!
Take time for yourself to meditate on the good. “Counting your blessings” is a great way to center yourself after all of the holiday excitement. Try making a list of five things you are thankful for today, or take up journaling. After spending a lot of time with family and friends, it is important to take time for yourself.
Volunteer. Give yourself the gift of giving to someone else! Doing random acts of kindness and volunteering allows you to feel connected to others during the holidays. Whether it’s a call to one of the older relatives who doesn’t get much attention or taking food to a shut-in, focusing on someone else’s needs is a great way to continue feeling that holiday cheer.
~National Alliance on Mental Illness