The holiday season is a time of joy and happiness, but after the festivities end, many people find themselves feeling sad, lonely or discontent. The following weeks are a return to normal activities like work and school, often leading to stress, which can wear a person down emotionally, mentally and even physically.
These feelings during the post-holiday slump are referred to as the “January Blues.” Researchers have studied this mood disorder and have suggested ways to combat it and try to stay hopeful and happy after the holidays.
Spend time outside. The cold temperatures and limited daylight can tempt you to stay inside as much as possible. Sunlight has a positive impact on your body that can help regulate sleeping cycles and improve your mood. Make sure you take the time to get as much sunlight exposure as possible.
Identify possible causes of your depression. Try to find the source of your unhappiness and understand what makes you feel sad, angry or alone. Once you acknowledge these issues, you can begin resolving them.
Take the pressure off of yourself. Many people get high hopes about their New Year’s resolutions only to become quickly discouraged when they can’t immediately accomplish their goals. You can still achieve your goals no matter what time of the year it is! Avoid putting pressure on yourself and realize working toward a goal is still a huge accomplishment.
Practice self-care. With so much focus on others during December, January is the perfect time to focus on yourself. Treat yourself to a relaxing day of pampering, set aside time to do your favorite activities or plan a trip, so you have something to look forward to as you roll through January.
If you’re struggling with the January Blues, it may be beneficial to speak with a licensed therapist, in addition to taking the above steps. Contact a therapist at Kayenta to schedule an appointment today.
