Now that the holidays are over, it’s back to a normal routine.

For many people, transitioning back to the hustle and bustle of everyday life after the holidays can result in post-holiday blues. If you’re feeling blue after the holidays, you’re not alone.

Post-holiday depression is real, and it can range from feeling a little blue to full-blown seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression associated with a seasonal pattern.1 There are many causes for the post-holiday blues, but you can still treat the blues and feel your best. Here are tips for overcoming those post-holiday feelings of sadness or depression.

Why Am I Feeling Blue After the Holidays?

There are many reasons people feel blue after the holidays. Contributing factors include the contrast effect, where the fun of the holidays makes the routine of everyday life seem bleaker than normal.² Going from a jam-packed holiday schedule of friends and family to a normal day can make anyone feel a little down. Other factors, such as seasonal affective disorder, can exacerbate post-holiday depression.

How Can I Stop Feeling Blue After the Holidays?

There are effective ways to combat the post-holiday blues. Our addiction experts in Massachusetts share their favorite tips for overcoming post-holiday blues:

• Get active to keep your spirits up; exercise is beneficial to mental health.
• Head outside and enjoy the sunshine whenever you can to combat the bleakness of winter.
• Eat healthy foods, especially after eating all those decadent treats over the holidays, to replenish your energy.
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule so you start each day well-rested.
• Continue enjoying social events. If your calendar is empty, plan something fun with your friends so you have something to look forward to.
• Work on a project to keep your hands and your mind busy, such as a large-scale puzzle, a painting, or a photo album.
• Organize and rearrange the spaces at home so you can start the year off with a fresh, clean space that feels new.

Staying active and healthy after the holidays can help treat post-holiday blues. In some cases, professional assistance may be needed to treat post-holiday depression or seasonal affective disorder.

Call our Massachusetts drug treatment center at 888-280-4763 for guidance.

Sources:

• NIH - Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Psychology Today - Post-Vacation Blues