This time of year is when the seasonal blues hit a lot of us and it makes sense. December is full of festivities, loved ones and celebrating and when it’s all said and done, going back to our regular routines can feel kind of blah.
Symptoms of the post-holiday blues include:
- Feelings of sadness and/or anxiety
- Fatigue or agitation
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping more than usual
- Changes in appetite with weight gain or loss
- Difficulty concentrating
The good news? The post-holiday blues don’t usually last too long. Feel like you have a mild case? Here’s how to cope with your post-holiday funk:
- Talk to the right person- Psychologist Margaret Wehrenberg says the biggest challenge from these blues is feeling alone and lonely. She advises calling a friend or family member and talking in person - not texting - to combat that feeling.
- Cut back on alcohol- It flows freely during the holiday season, but booze is a depressant and it can mess with your sleep. So taking a mini-break from drinking could help.
- Pay attention to your eating-Research shows a poor diet can make mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, worse. So cutting back on fried foods and sugar while eating more foods rich in nutrients and vitamins may help improve your state of mind.
- Plan your next adventure- Give yourself something to look forward to, whether it’s a trip or a home improvement project. Just having something positive to focus on can boost your mood.
- Go outside and exercise- Being active is even more important when you’re feeling down, so get up and get moving. Even if it’s just taking a walk, it can have a positive effect.
Source: Lifehacker