First we prep for Thanksgiving and if that weren’t an ordeal in and of itself, we are immediately greeted by Black Friday. That’s the Holiday kick off. We get all revved up by stores’ ads, carols, tree-lighting events, family dinners, Christmas parties, kids’ end of school pageants and New Year’s Eve parties. December is a month of frantic activity and shopping, a time when everyone looks happy, albeit stressed out.
Once January 2 rolls around, all the carousing comes to a screeching halt. The excitement is gone. You are left feeling wiped out and depressed. You’ve got a New Year staring you in the face for which you haven’t had time to plan. This hits you in the midst of winter, when sunlight is scarce and we’re more prone to depression, anyway. How to pick yourself up?
BEAT THE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES
Here’s how to deal with the post-holiday blues:
- Set personal goals for the New Year.
- Plan your summer vacations at the very start of January. You will find better deals and will have something to look forward to.
- Meet up with friends more often during the cold, dark months.
- Take long warm baths. Plan a day of the week for “me” time.
- Start the year by getting rid of things you no longer need. Declutter!
- Make a clean start. Rearrange your wardrobe and your furniture. Make your home a cozier place to be in.
- Take up yoga or Pilates. Both have an energizing, calming effect.
- Change your routine. Even in small ways, this alone changes your perception and outlook, and keeps your brain guessing your next move.
- Engage in a new activity, be it a dance class, a writing class, or something else.
- Follow a detox diet.
- Volunteer.
Read Related: 6 New Years Resolutions for Your Entire Family
PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY SEASON
You can pace yourself during the next holidays to avoid burnout and the emotional dip that comes afterwards. Here are some ideas to put in practice next Holiday season:
- Plan out dinner menus throughout the year.
- Do your holiday shopping year-round.
- Try to do most of your shopping online.
- Seek out all the activities your kids will enjoy, like tree-lighting events, and mark them on your calendar.
- Don’t break the bank. Instead, do Secret Santa with adult family members.
- Start stocking up on the staples you will need for all those dinners way ahead of time.
- Plan in-home activities for the kids. Movies, games and cookie baking!
- Post your holiday greetings on Facebook instead of mailing greeting cards.
The point is, in fact, to start prepping for the next Holiday season now, so you won’t be all stressed out come November. Besides, anticipation is half of the fun!
