Managing Feelings After the Holidays

The feelings one experiences after the holidays can vary from person to person and may include a sense of letdown, sadness, and worries about the new year. But here are some general tips that might help you manage during this time:

1. Reflect on the Positive Moments: Take some time to reflect on the positive experiences and memories from the holidays. Focus on the moments that brought you joy and gratitude and bring a smile to your face now.

2. Set Realistic Goals: Ease back into your typical routine by setting realistic goals. Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many tasks at once. Break down larger goals into bite size chunks that can be handled more easily.

3. Maintain Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that help you relax and rejuvenate. Exercise, meditation, learning a new skill, reading, take a bath. Make time to participate in activities you enjoy.

4. Stay Connected: If the holidays involved spending time with loved ones, try to maintain those connections that are special to you. Reach out to friends or family members to make plans for coffee, a meal or some fun!

5. Organize and Declutter: Tidying up your living space can have a positive impact on your mood and overall mental well-being. Organize and get rid of unused and unwanted items to create a more comfortable environment for yourself.

6. Plan for the Future: Create some plans to look forward to. Whether it's planning a weekend getaway, setting personal goals, or starting a new hobby, having something to look forward to can boost your mood and give you something positive to focus on.

7. Practice Gratitude: Focus on what you have instead of what you don’t have and express gratitude for the positive aspects of your life. Keeping a gratitude journal can help you develop and maintain a positive attitude. Verbalize appreciation to your loved ones. It will make them feel good and you will feel good too.

8. Get Back into a Routine: Re-establishing your regular routine can provide a sense of stability and normalcy. This includes sleep, meal times, and daily activities. It is also a good opportunity to create a new routine if your current one isn’t working for you.

9. Limit Stressors: Identify and minimize stressors where possible. If certain tasks or responsibilities are stressing you out, find ways to address them or delegate them to someone else. Figure out what you have control of, manage those things, and let go of the rest if possible.

10. Seek Support if Needed: If you're struggling to cope, reach out to friends, family, or a counselor/therapist. Talking about your feelings in counseling can provide some relief, support, guidance and clarity. Therapy is a safe place to address your concerns. If you would like to explore how counseling can help you cope after the holidays, connect with me.

Remember that it's normal to experience a period of adjustment after the holidays, and taking steps to care toward self-care can make this transition go more smoothly.