Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for so many people, and it can sometimes be hard to let go of. Just the thought that all the fuss leading up to the holiday season, decorations and the Christmas tree are put and stored away would mean that the festivities are definitely over can be difficult for some to accept. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the holiday blues refer to feelings of anxiety and stress due to unrealistic expectations or memories attached to the holiday season. Not to mention the anxiety that people go through as we get closer and closer to the New Year.

It can be a lonely time for some, so here are some valuable tips for beating the post-Christmas blues and preparing for the New Year.

Acknowledge those feelings

It is normal to feel lonely after the end of the festivities. Instead of denying those feelings, the best course of action is to acknowledge them. You might think that these feelings won’t go away, but acceptance is vital so you can address them in a way that’s healthy and suitable to your situation. Remember that you are not alone in this. So many people go through the same thing.

Start and stick to a routine

The holiday season can be a free pass for many to overindulge and completely forget to make healthy choices. One way to beat the post-holiday blues is to start again and stick to a routine. Try to fix your sleeping habits. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every night or eat your meals around selected times. Keep a workout routine daily. These things could help your day to have more structure.

Make a to-do list

During the holidays, our brain tends to exaggerate our day-to-day life, causing us to feel anxious or depressed when it’s time to return to our regular routine. One way you can help to remind yourself that the holidays are indeed over is to make a to-do list and prioritize what needs to be accomplished. By making this, you are rewiring your brain with a forward plan of action. It can include short-term or medium-term goals if you just want something that can be easily attained in the next few days, weeks, or months. You can also choose long-term goals if you wish.

Prioritize your daily needs

Never take your daily needs for granted. Not only will it make you feel better, but it will definitely impact your overall well-being. Your physical health is just as important as your mental health. Get enough sleep and eat nutritious foods. Keep your close relationships strong. If you are feeling down, do something you love – whether going out with friends or watching films at home; find an activity that you know will perk up your mood. It is also imperative to maintain boundaries. You always have to remind yourself that a healthier you means a happier you.

Written by Sheena Javier

What Are the Post-Holiday Blues? (n.d.). Verywell Mind. Retrieved November 19, 2022, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-post-holiday-blues-5214403

‌Post-Holiday Blues: What It Is and How to Cope. (2021, December 17). Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-manage-post-holiday-depression#tips

‌The top 8 tips for overcoming the post-Christmas blues. (n.d.). Www.counselling-Directory.org.uk. Retrieved November 19, 2022, from https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/the-top-8-tips-for-overcoming-the-post-christmas-blues#accept-cookies