How to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues

Use these five strategies to get back into the groove after the holidays.

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Some Signs of the Post-Holiday Blues

• Feeling sad
• Feeling lonely
• Feeling grumpy
• Low motivation
• Sleeping more, or sleeping less
• Changes in appetite
• Wanting some alone time
• Re-reading holiday cards
• Keeping your holiday decorations up a little too long

These are just some of the signs of the post-holiday blues. You might notice that they are similar to depression symptoms. But the difference here is that the post-holiday blues are shorter in duration and feel less intense than depression.

Here are few more signs of the post-holiday blues. For example, you might be savoring some of your holiday memories a bit too long and avoiding some things you need to do. Or maybe you had an argument with one of your family members and you’re still ruminating on it.

In short, you’re just not feeling like yourself. 

Is it the Blues or Depression?

Because the post-holiday blues are similar to depression symptoms, it is important to point out that if you're feeling down for more than about two weeks, it could indicate that you're slipping into a depression, and you should reach out for some help. That could mean talking to a friend, or talking to a licensed therapist.

👉 Strategies to Kick the Post-Holiday Blues

Okay, here are five strategies to shake off those blues and get back on track.

1. Exercise. There is no better way to shake off that curmudgeonly attitude than to exercise. It's funny how exercising works: you don't want to do it, but after you do it, you feel much better. Exercising doesn't have to be a big deal, you can just go outside and do a thirty-minute walk. You'll be glad you did.

For more about exercise and mental health, check out my post on morning exercise.

2. Socialize. When you're feeling down, sometimes the last thing you want to do is see other people. But you can snap yourself into a happier state by forcing yourself to socialize. That's right, hang out with people even though you don't want to. Similar to exercising, afterwards you'll feel better.

Research suggests that socializing stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. This can be a potent, natural cocktail to cure your blues.

3. Diet and Hydration. If you indulged a little bit too much during the holidays, you might be dehydrated, bloated, or feeling sluggish from food and alcohol. Go out and buy yourself some fruits and vegetables and eat light and healthy for a few days while drinking plenty of water.

A clean body means a clean mind, and a better attitude. More on how hydration improves mental health.

4. Pamper Yourself. When was the last time you sat in a hot tub, sauna, or had a massage? This kind of self-care can work wonders on your mood. It might be just what the doctor ordered.

5. Clean Your House. Channeling some of that grumpy energy into a productive task can give you a sense of accomplishment. Try super-cleaning your house or your apartment. Buy some cleaning supplies and go to town.

Your sparkling countertops and windexed windows might just brighten up your mood. In fact, studies suggest that cleaning is associated with improved mental health.

Get Back Into the Groove

I was inspired to write this post because I was experiencing a case of the post-holiday blues. That's right, a therapist who is supposed to have his act together was feeling down. Blasphemy! I was noticing that I was sleeping a lot, and my motivation was low, so I figured others might be feeling the same way.

So let those holiday memories fade away and embrace the New Year. Kickstart yourself back into the groove by using the strategies I mentioned. You'll be glad you did!