Beating The Post Holiday Blues

The hurried, hectic pace of the holidays has come to an end. Friends and family have returned home. We are left to resume our everyday routine that may seem boring and even depressing. The loss of the increased support we received from family and friends throughout the season may leave us feeling lonely. No longer are we caught up in having to get a million and one things done. And on top of everything winter weather limits our activities and the amount of sunshine are minimal.

We may experience post-holiday stress or depression, so we need to find things to look forward to in the upcoming winter days. There are things that we can do to ward off or cope with the post-holiday blues:

• Make plans for a weekend trip or a special evening out to have something to look forward to in the future.
• Plan your next vacation. Spend time looking at vacation brochures with sun and beaches will improve your spirits.
• Visit a shut-in or someone in a nursing home. It will brighten your day and theirs.
• Invite your spouse/significant other out for a “date” and let him or her choose the activities for the evening.
• Plan a special activity to do with your children.
• Start a new activity. Is there something you have always wanted to do, but have never gotten around to learning how to do? If so, see if there is a class you can enroll in to learn this new skill.
• Once your holiday decorations are packed way, get fresh flowers for the house. It will help to brighten your home and your spirits.

The possibilities are endless. It is a matter of attitude and mind set. Don’t let the post holiday blues get a grip on you and your life.