Despite the hustle and bustle, the holidays are often filled with joy, togetherness, and celebration. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s, the rush of activities keeps you on your toes as you visit loved ones and prepare for the year ahead. But once the holidays are over, you might find yourself feeling fatigued or inexplicably low.
The post-holiday blues can sneak up on anyone, even if your holiday season was a moderately relaxing time, leaving you with feelings of sadness, exhaustion, or anxiety. These emotions, while temporary, can make it difficult to transition back to work and your daily routine.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The post-holiday blues are a common experience. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people report being affected by holiday blues. A poll by the American Association of Psychologists found that January and February are the most challenging months for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression.
Keep Reading: Do you get SAD when the temperature drops? Here’s why.
What Are The Post-Holiday Blues?
These feelings of sadness or anxiety that disrupt your usual routine appear right after the holidays. The abrupt change between the holiday season—full of social events, time off, and anticipation—and the return of normal routines triggers these emotions. For some, financial stress from holiday spending or tension among family relationships can also add to this emotional weight.
Unlike depression, the post-holiday blues are temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks as you adjust to the changes. However, they can still impact your mood and energy levels, making it harder to be excited for the new year.
Keep Reading: Guide to Managing Depression During the Holidays
Signs Of The Post-Holiday Blues
After the adrenaline rush of the holiday, the post-holiday blues can manifest in various ways, including:
- Low Energy – Persistent fatigue, even after resting.
- Irritability – Feeling easily annoyed or frustrated.
- Sadness or Disappointment – Lingering feelings of emptiness and loss.
- Difficulty Focusing – Struggling to focus on tasks.
- Loss of Motivation – A lack of excitement or enthusiasm for your hobbies.
- Changes in Sleep – Sleeping more or less than usual.
- Appetite Changes – Overeating for comfort or a loss of interest in food.
Keep Reading: 5 Tips for Managing Emotional Eating and Breaking the Cycle
6 Tips To Feel Better
It may take a little time to feel better, but small changes can make a big difference towards feeling like yourself again. Here are some ways to help you bounce back after the holidays:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings
Instead of forcing yourself to feel happy, show yourself compassion. It’s okay to feel a little down after the holidays. Journaling or talking with a trusted friend can help you process what you’re experiencing.
- Set Realistic Goals
Avoid overwhelming yourself with ambitious resolutions. Start small by choosing one or two measurable goals, such as drinking two more bottles of water daily or adding exercise to your routine in weekly increments. Small successes can build momentum.
- Prioritize Self-Care
The holidays can leave you feeling drained on every front. Focus on activities that help you recharge—sleep, healthy meals, and exercise can help you feel better physically. Make sure to carve out time to do the hobbies and activities you enjoy, whether watching TV, reading, or paddleboarding.
Keep Reading: The Big 5 Of Self-Care
- Ease Into Your Routine
It can feel daunting to suddenly start waking up early for work and getting ready for your commute. Break tasks into manageable steps, and give yourself grace if you miss a step or two. Be kind to yourself as you find your rhythm again.
- Stay Connected
With the holidays over and everyone returning to their daily routines, it may feel lonely. But it doesn’t have to be. Reach out to friends and family; even a casual coffee hang or video call could significantly uplift your spirits. Limiting social media and talking to people in person can also help you feel less isolated.
- Find Ways To Reduce Stress
If you’re feeling tense or frazzled, try some stress-relieving techniques such as:
- Watching a comedy or horror movie
- Practicing meditation or yoga
- Doing deep breathing exercises
- Following guided relaxation videos
Keep Reading: 6 Tips To Manage Holiday Stress
You Don’t Have To Figure It Out On Your Own
These strategies can only go so far on their own. If you’re feeling like these tips aren’t alleviating the anxiety and sadness tightening your chest, it may be time to consider extra support.
At Austin Anxiety and Trauma Specialists, our therapists can help you navigate these feelings of sadness, emptiness, or anxiety and create a plan to help you thrive. Book your free consultation, and we’ll match you to a therapist who can best support you through this post-holiday blues. You deserve to feel good—not just during the holidays, but all year round. It can get better. We can help.
