Beat the Post-Holiday Blues

The holidays have come and gone, and a new year has begun. You should feel inspired and happy to start working on your New Year’s resolutions and doing what you can to make this year better than the last…right? Maybe not.

Do you have the winter blues? This is very common. The holiday season is a time for festive parties and family and friend gatherings, but it all comes to an abrupt halt. Instead of feeling happiness, some people deal with fatigue and stress after going back to work after taking time off, taking down cheerful holiday decorations, and facing post-holiday bills. The long, cold, dark days of winter can also lead some people to experience seasonal affective disorder, or SAD.

Symptoms of winter blues may include headaches, insomnia and trouble sleeping, anxiety, weight gain or loss, and a lack of energy or motivation. The post-holiday blues might be short-lived, or long-lasting and overwhelming.

Here are some ways you can help combat the slump:

Reflect.

Taking a moment to remember the enjoyable things that happened during the holiday season can help you focus more on the blessings you have in your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can also be helpful.

Rest.

Things often don’t look so good when you are tired. If you can, take time to relax and do something just for yourself. Read a book or watch a movie that’s been on your list or get a massage. Indulge in something you truly enjoy even if it’s just alone time.

Start or resume a hobby.

Find something new you’ve wanted to try or pick up a hobby you used to enjoy in the past. Activities that you enjoy will help take the focus off the end of the holiday season.

Plan your next vacation.

Give yourself something to look forward to. Even something as simple as planning a dinner with friends over the weekend can help you refocus your thoughts after the holidays.

Exercise.

Exercise has been shown to reduce fatigue and enhance job satisfaction, optimism, self-esteem and better stress management. And that’s not all – it can also help with weight control, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and certain types of cancer. Exercise is also associated with greater immune function, increased endorphins, and stronger heart and lungs.

Volunteer.

If you feel lonely and miss gathering with others, volunteering can be a great way to get out and be around people.

Fuel with food.

Diets high in B12 and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease depression and improve mood. Choices include mackerel, anchovies, sardines, salmon, and tuna. Berries can slow the unwanted response of cortisol in the body, which is a hormone associated with stress and mood fluctuations. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids can release endorphins that improve your mood.

Try phototherapy.

If your blues are brought on by the dark days of winter, phototherapy can help immensely. Seasonal affective disorder generally responds well to light therapy.

Get some fresh air.

Even though it’s cold, fresh air and being in nature not only cleans your lungs, it can boost your mood, lower your heart rate, increase energy levels, help your immune system, and contribute to your overall well-being.

Set realistic resolutions.

This New Year’s, don’t aim so high that your goals are unattainable, or you may end up disappointed in yourself for breaking them.

Expect to enjoy the year ahead.

Look forward to the coming months, plan some things you’d like to do this year, make a list of things you’d like to accomplish, and stop looking backwards at the past. Spring and summer will soon be here – look forward to more sunshine and comfortable temperatures.

I’ll end this article with a quote I use often, by Edward Stanley, “Those who think they have no time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”

I wish you and yours happiness and health in 2023! By Jenny L Workman, Boone Health Community Wellness Manager

This February, we will offer free blood pressure and A1C Screenings for Heart Health Month at the ARC. For more information, visit como.gov/contacts/activityrecreation-center-arc

To learn more about Boone Health’s Community Wellness including a calendar of free health screenings, visit boone.health/community-