Each year, the fall and winter holidays seem to come upon us so fast.  We spend weeks, or even months, in preparation and anticipation of them.  The pace is frantic and full of shopping, decorating, cooking, attending multiple gatherings, and entertaining others. 

Just as quickly as they arrive, the holidays are gone.  A natural let-down occurs in many people.  This condition, known as the post-holiday blues, is perfectly normal.  Some of the factors that play a role are obvious.  Too much rich food, perhaps too much drink, too much spending can all play a role.  So can the tensions that come to light when family and friends get together.   Or it could be that our expectations of how wonderful it was all going to be were not met.  Did you get that gift you really wanted most?  Was everyone happy with what you chose to give them?

Other things also play a role in the post-holiday blues.  Loneliness tends to be more intense at this time of year.  People who have passed on during the year are foremost on our mind in their absence.  All the beautiful lights and decorations are put away for another year, and winter looms fully ahead.  The landscape and your personal space can seem suddenly drab or depressing.  For some, the home seems suddenly too quiet, too empty.

Rest assured, though, that you can help yourself out of this emotional slump.  Here are some things to try:

    

     1.  Get extra rest to cure your exhaustion

     2.  Rejuvenate your body with light, healthy food and drink

     3.  To ease into the post-holiday transition, light extra candles for that glow or create a holiday scrap book

     4.  Fill the house with soothing music
 
     5.  Call or write to those family members and friends you now miss

     6.  Have a quiet date with your sweetheart, just the two of you

     7.  Take a 20-minute walk several times a week, at a mall if the weather is inclement

     8.  Get reacquainted with your favorite hobbies or read a new book

     9.  To appease feelings of loneliness, get out or join a new group in your community

    10.  If getting out is a problem, then invite people to come visit you or join an on-line community

    11.  Cut back on unnecessary expenses until you've caught up with the extra debt accumulated during the holidays

    12.  Set aside time each day to think positive thoughts, meditate, or do some gently stretching to relieve stress

    13.  If you did not get that special gift you most wanted, as soon as feasible, buy it for yourself

    14.  Be kind and understanding with yourself, the way you would be with a loved one


If your blues drag on past a couple of weeks or are accompanied by insomnia, deep depression or suicidal feelings,
do not hesitate to get professional help.  If they are the more routine variety, remind yourself that with a little time and some pampering of yourself using some or all of the above suggestions, you will be back to being yourself soon.



Karen Chaffee 2009
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