Have you ever given any thought to the reasons behind why it is so challenging to return to normal routines after the holidays? When the holidays come around, it is normal to feel a little depressed. In most cases, the symptoms only remain for a short period of time; however, if they continue for more than two weeks, they have the potential to become severe and result in clinical anxiety and/or depression.
We get sad during the holidays. Why is that?
Even though it’s a happy and joyful time of year, it can be hard on your finances, your body, and your emotions. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says that 64% of people have experienced Christmas sadness. And 24% say the holidays affect them a lot. The stress of the season, both emotionally and financially, is what usually sets it off. Another possible cause of the holiday blues is the stress of dealing with tough relationships and situations and keeping your cool during the holiday events.
Pay attention to the signs.
In order to get out of a holiday funk, you need to pay more attention to your physical and mental health and change your expectations. Here are three things to keep in mind:
Look after yourself.
Experts say that a healthy lifestyle with plenty of good sleep, regular exercise, and a diet full of proper nutrients can help improve your mood and control your sadness. During the holidays, these habits are often forgotten because of all the late-night parties, sugary snacks, and long lists of things to do. To get back on track mentally if you’re having trouble, you need to make them a regular and unavoidable part of your schedule again.
Make time to have fun.
Social contact is an important part of being happier and healthier. After all the holiday parties, having nothing on your calendar might make you feel down. Putting fun things in your schedule will give you something to look forward to and keep the difference effect at bay. When you’re sad, it’s easy to pull away. Getting together with friends and other people you care about, even if you don’t feel like it, can also give you a much-needed boost.
Don’t be too hard on yourself, and wait.
You won’t always feel down after the holidays. At the moment, give yourself a break. Take the time you need to get back on your feet, and don’t blame yourself for how you feel. Remember, the holiday blues are short-term. Take things week by week or day by day. If the signs don’t go away, you might want to see an expert.
