The Post-Holiday Slump: How to Break Out of It

It’s the first full week of January, which means it’s back to reality and business as usual. For some, it’s a major relief. Even with all its good tidings and cheer, the holidays are a financially, physically, and emotionally draining time of year. 

If you feel low, fatigued and incapable of getting out of bed in the post-holiday period, you're not alone. The "Post-holiday slump" is REAL and in today’s blog post we’re going to discuss how to break out of it. 

Consider incorporating a few of these tips for the next couple weeks to ease the transition back into your everyday life. Trust me, we'll all get through this.

Check in with Your Daily Routine 

Quality sleep, regular exercise, drinking enough water, and a nutrient-dense diet—these healthy habits will help to boost your mood and manage depression symptoms. Between late-night festivities, sugary desserts and long to-do lists, these practices often get pushed aside during the holiday season. Re-establishing them as a regular and non-negotiable fixture in your routine is essential for getting back on track. Check in with yourself by asking yourself the following questions: 

• Am I exercising enough? 

• Am I getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night? 

• Am I drinking enough water throughout the day? 

• Am I fueling my body appropriately or am I still in indulgence-mode?  

Are You on Track with Your Resolution? 

If you’ve set new year's resolutions this year, are you checking in with yourself on how you’re sticking with them? Picking your resolution wisely and putting in extensive planning are essential parts of achieving any goal. Experts suggest that you should brainstorm how you will tackle a major behavior change, including the steps you will take, why you want to do it, and ways you can keep yourself on track. You can start by writing down your goal, making a list of things you might do to achieve that goal, and noting any obstacles that might stand in your way.

Combating the Winter Blues

After the fun and excitement of the holidays, it’s common for people to experience the winter blues. Those who experience this phenomenon usually experience fatigue, sadness, difficulty concentrating, and a disruption in their sleep schedule during the winter season. Working yourself out of a post-holiday funk requires putting some extra emphasis on the basics of physical and mental well-being. Start by going outside to get some sunlight! Even if you have to bundle up, a short 10-minute walk can make a huge impact on your mood.

For some, the holidays may be the only time regular life is interrupted. Try to fill up your planner with activities you enjoy and have something else to look forward to whether that be a birthday or a trip with friends/family. Calling or Facetiming friends, family, or anyone else you care about—even when you don’t feel like it—can also provide a much-needed boost.

Amp Up the Self-care

Try to battle your post-holiday slump by elevating your self-care game. Wear those masks you got as stocking stuffers this year. Take time to moisturize your entire body. Drink more water. Go to bed earlier. Wake up every day with a stretching routine ready to go. Get your nails done. Get a cheap massage. Drink tea. Rub on some essential oils. Take a weekend nap. Seriously, just do you, in the simplest, and most feel-good ways possible.

The post-holiday blues won’t stick around forever. In the meantime, cut yourself some slack. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling the way you do and slowly start to implement these tips into your daily routine!