Ways to battle the post-holiday blues
- Laurie Sidle, OSU Extension Wayne Co.
- December 25, 2023
- 359
Wait. I just got my Christmas decorations in place and cards in the mail. And now the holiday has come and gone or is very close to doing so, depending on when you're reading this. I thought I had more time.
I’m not one to take down the Christmas tree the day after Christmas. Most likely, the tree and decorations will stay up until the Super Bowl. I want to enjoy the seasonal lights and greenery a little longer and fend off the post-holiday letdown. It happens every year. I tend to feel a little blue knowing my vacation is over, the frigid days of January are ahead, and all the gatherings with family and friends are just a memory.
But holding onto those memories is a way to overcome the post-holiday blues, a term that refers to the short-term feelings individuals experience after the holidays including sadness, loneliness, fatigue, disappointment, sluggishness or mental distress.
While it’s not a medical condition that can be diagnosed, experts say the feelings are common. A National Alliance on Mental Illness survey revealed 64% of people reported experiencing post-holiday blues accompanied by elevated anxiety and stress.
“The holidays offer most people a time to focus their energy on the task of decorating, baking, planning and gift giving,” said Nicole Hollingshead, a psychologist and clinical assistant professor of family and community medicine at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “After the holidays are over, people may feel lost or empty without having a goal-driven activity to help them focus.”
Other reasons include short cold days and long nights, financial stress, overeating, and lack of sleep.
During the holidays the world also seems more loving and caring as people tend to extend more kindness and donate toys for children and food to families in need. Breaking away from all of that can be a letdown.
If you’re feeling post-holiday sadness, it’s important to remind yourself these feelings are normal, especially if you’ve experienced a loss this year.
Here are some suggestions from experts on how to help yourself readjust after the holidays:
—Call, don’t just text, someone you enjoy talking to or care about. Sometimes people need to hear a voice and engage in conversation. It can be fun to reconnect with an old friend.
—Reread holiday cards. While these are slowly becoming a lost tradition, hopefully, some arrived in your mailbox. I keep many of my cards so I can go back and reflect on how children have grown and remember those who have played a special role in my life.
—Focus on self-care. It’s important you take time to restore yourself. Relax and do something just for yourself such as reading a book you’ve been wanting to finish or watching a movie bundled in your favorite blanket.
—Start moving. If you’ve strayed from your exercise routine during the holidays, get back to it, or if you don’t have an exercise plan in place, make it a point to begin one. Make sure to find an activity you enjoy.
—Look to the future. Plan upcoming vacations and days off. Schedule fun activities with friends and family. Give yourself something to look forward to after the holidays.
—Look for ways to be grateful. This has been a theme for our family and consumer sciences team statewide.
Although post-holiday blues usually pass within two to three weeks, be sure to talk to a professional if symptoms are severe or persistent.
The new year and even a new day represent hope.
Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu.