Coping After the Holidays

December 29, 2022 Moriah Conant M.A.

Last week we talked about coping during the holidays. The holidays can be very stressful, but after the holidays can be stressful in a different way!

PsyCom wrote about Post-Holiday Depression and Blues and provided this definition- “Also known as post-vacation syndrome, stress, or depression, this slump can hit hard after a period of intense emotion and stress. Post-holiday blues share many of the same characteristic symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder: insomnia, low energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anxiousness.”

There are lots of factors that can go into this slump. Maybe:

It feels like there isn’t anything to look forward to
The holidays were tough for you
You experience seasonal depression in the winter
You’re frustrated that you struggled to maintain boundaries during the holidays
Work piled up over the holiday break, and you’re very overwhelmed
You’re feeling lonely now that there aren’t social plans on the horizon
The holidays were really hectic, and you’re exhausted
While you were traveling, you relied on fast food and snacks, and your body wants to get back to consistent meals

Whatever factors are impacting your low mood, we want to help provide some support!

Basic Maintenance

First things first- focus on your basic needs. You need sleep, water, meals, and social interaction. Far too often, we underestimate how much these things impact our mental and physical well-being. Prioritize meeting these needs, even if your schedule is hectic.

Social Connections

It can feel difficult to maintain connections after the holidays. Maybe it is hard to leave your home when it is cold or gets dark early. Perhaps you and your friends are busy at work. Finding creative ways to connect can be helpful.

Here are some ideas:

Online support groups- we offer three options! Our support groups are open to individuals in all 50 states.
Inviting friends to run errands with you. Social time doesn’t always have to be *fun* things- if you have long to-do lists, maybe work through those things together!
So much technology has been created to encourage community! Try scheduling a virtual movie or game night so that no one has to leave their homes.
If you find texting to be unsatisfying when connecting with others, try features or apps that allow you to send voice or video messages!

Move Your Body

Find ways to be active that feel good to you! Maybe it’s a workout, or just turning on music and dancing to a few songs. If you are struggling with motivation, start with something that feels doable. The University of Colorado Boulder wrote a great article on the benefits of movement.

Soak in the Sun

Find time to soak in the limited sun that is available. Go on a walk, or even just open your blinds. If it’s difficult to find time in the actual sun, sun lamps might be a good resource. They are easy to find- check out this affiliate link.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you are feeling really rundown or having other symptoms, it might be worth connecting with your primary care physician to get a physical. They can run tests to see if there is anything that needs attention or if there are any concerns like vitamin deficiencies.

Mental Health Support

This might be a time when you need psychological or psychiatric support. Consider resources like individual therapy, group therapy, or psychotropic medications. None of these resources is a magic wand that will fix everything, but they can provide extra support.

Self-Compassion

Be compassionate to yourself and honor whatever you need right now. Don’t put extra stress or pressure on yourself during what is already a difficult time. If you need to rest, let yourself rest. If you need to ask for help, don’t shame yourself for getting the support that you need.

Looking for a little more support? Our therapists can help! Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with our therapist matchmaker to find the therapist who is the best fit for you.

Woven Together Trauma Therapy