We spend months preparing for the holidays, and then they’re over in a day or two, leaving us feeling sad and empty.
The post holiday blues is a common experience for many people. Once the festivities of the holiday season are done, what else is there to look forward to? If you live in a cold climate like me, the months of January and February are often the coldest and dreariest, making us want to stay in and hibernate.
Falling into the slump of the post holiday blues can be dangerous for our mental health. It can cause seasonal affective disorder, a depression relapse or symptoms of rage and anxiety.
Instead, try one of these five activities to help get rid of the common post holiday blues.
Take a Vacation
Obviously one of the best ways to get away from the harsh winter is to escape somewhere hot. January boasts some of the best deals on getaways, specifically targeted at those suffering from a case of the post holiday blues. Spending a few days at an all inclusive resort can do wonders for your mental health.
But a post holiday vacation is not practical nor affordable for everyone. You can still take advantage of the benefits of a vacation, though. Book a hotel room for a weekend or go on a road trip if the weather’s not too bad. Visit a local ski hill or try an ice fishing expedition. Having some weekend activities planned for January and February can help tackle the post holiday blues by giving you something else to look forward to.
Plan a Hygge Weekend or Party
Or a stay-cation, if you will. If going out in the winter just isn’t your thing, then consider planning a hygge weekend instead. If you’re not familiar with hygge, it’s the Danish way of living that includes lots of warmth, coziness and indulgence (click here to read all about it).
You can cuddle up by the fireplace with the family and drink hot chocolate. Or if you’re up for it, plan a hygge party! Invite all your family and friends over for a relaxing night of cake and laughter. Everyone can wear their comfiest pajamas and cozy socks. You can all sit around playing board games and binge eating sweets. What better way for you and all your loved ones to recover from the holidays together?
Try an Outdoor Spa Experience
Winter is the perfect time for an outdoor spa day. Sitting in a hot tub can get really hot, really quickly… unless you’re sitting outside in the cold. There are special thermotherapy spas popping up in colder climates now, inspired by the Scandinavian way of life. These often include a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities and they are complete bliss on colder days.
Or look into visiting a hot spring resort. If you don’t live near one, check if any local gyms, clubs or hotels offer outdoor pools or spas. Saunas are another great option for an outdoor spa experience and are quite popular in the winter.
If you can’t locate an outdoor spa near to you, then just head to your regular spa. Any kind of pampering and self care will help you beat those post holiday blues and improve your overall mental health.
Deep Clean Your Home
I know this one sounds more like a chore. But staying distracted and keeping busy is a great way to avoid symptoms of depression and anxiety. Over the holidays, you’ve likely acquired a whole bunch of new stuff. That makes the months after the holidays the perfect time to purge all of your old stuff.
Start with one room a day (or week) and go through all the junk that’s been shoved into closets and into drawers. Donate or sell whatever you can and throw out the rest. By the time spring comes around, you’ll have a nice clean home on the inside, so you can focus just on the outside.
Minimizing your junk and living in a clean home is great for your mental health. Plus, it will give you a real sense of purpose and discourage you from feeling lazy and unproductive all winter long.
Make a Big Change
New year, new you right? While I’m not a huge fan of New Year’s Resolutions, making a drastic change or trying something new in your life can definitely get rid of the post holiday blues. Don’t focus on how sad you are that the holidays are over, look towards the future instead.
January is a great time for planning. Print off our free 2020 calendar and start penciling in all your important dates. See where you can make some changes to your routine or schedule. Or perhaps the change could be something physical, like changing your hair color or style, makeup routine or getting into shape.
Consider changing something in your environment as well. You could paint your walls, change up your furniture or even get a new car. Make some new friends, sign up for a class or start a new hobby. Something new or different for the New Year will make you feel proud and excited for what’s ahead.
