All-American Baby: Say Goodbye to the Post-Holiday Blues

It is hard to believe how quickly the holidays come and go. After months of preparations, including cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating, and then sharing with family and loved ones, the end of the season still seems to come so quickly. After the last of the presents are unwrapped, the decorations are put away and things begin to return to normal there can be a sense of let-down and disappointment.

The feeling of post-holiday blues is not uncommon; the unrealistic expectations that many of us create with our holiday preparations can leave you feeling down when it is all over. There can also be worries about over-spending and mounting debt, saying good-bye to family, and having to go back to work and school after some time off. Recognizing that it is a normal feeling and that there are some simple things that you can do to overcome it is the first step to getting back to feeling like yourself.

Pamper Yourself

The past few months have busy with family and friends, and during the holidays you make it all about others and not about yourself. Now take some time for yourself; whether by getting out for lunch with friends, using the gift cards you received to go shopping, taking some time to read a new book or magazine, or just enjoying a nice long bubble bath with those new bath products you found in your stocking.

Get Active

Exercising can release endorphins that can help you to feel more positive and energetic. Go ahead and make those New Year’s Resolutions, and get started on them! Taking a brisk walk around the block, participating in a yoga class or trying out your new Wii games can help to clear your mind and shake off any negative feelings.

Get Busy

After all the running around leading up to the holidays, it can seem too quiet when everything gets back to normal. So get motivated to start something new! A new project or activity to focus your attention on will distract you from any feelings of let-down after the holidays. Volunteer for a new project at work, start organizing at home or just finally paint that bathroom. Take a class or a course for work or on a topic of interest to get your mind engaged.

Gather Memories

Another way to move on from the holidays while still remembering the fun times is to work on your picture albums or scrapbooks. Download those pictures from your camera and get to work organizing them and adding them to your scrapbook. A great way to quickly get your pictures organized and on display is with a photo memory book or a calendar, such as the ones available on Shutterfly. Looking back on the fun times will rejuvenate you and help you look forward.

Feeling a little blue and let-down after the holidays is completely normal, and there are many things you can do to help yourself out of the funk. And don't forget that children can often feel the same way...why wouldn't they? All the fun of the season is over and it is back to normal for them, too. They also will feed off of your feelings, so that is even more reason to shake off those winter blues! Have them participate in the same kinds of activities listed above to help them transition as well. If you are feeling more than just a little sad, or your feeling of sadness persists, you should seek professional help in case you are suffering from something more serious. But no matter what, it helps to recognize the feelings and take the time to work through them.