Post-Christmas blues? Here's what to do!

Alexis Rae Baker

Dear Lexis,

After our family Christmas celebrations, I find myself feeling low. I’ve always loved Christmas, but this year it just seemed like there wasn’t enough time. What kinds of things would you recommend for these post-holiday blues?

Thanks,

          ~ Blue

Dear Blue,

Post-holiday blues can be a challenge. After so much excitement, the sudden adrenaline withdrawal can suck. The good news is that the effects are temporary and will subside with time, but you can certainly do some things to help the process along.

Here are four suggestions to consider:

1)  Take Time for Yourself

Giving yourself some moments of extra comfort can help ease your withdrawal. Relaxing baths, trips to the sauna, naps, and aromatherapy are all excellent methods for reducing stress and rejuvenating the body. Taking your daily vitamins can also be useful, especially B, C, and D.

Hydration is also immensely helpful regarding bringing your body back into balance. Water has near-magical properties and plays a huge role in well-being. Make sure to get enough water and you’ll find yourself back to normal in no time.

2)  Meditate

Take time to practice your breathing, but just sitting in silence can help settle your mind and hormones. Fifteen minutes here and there can quickly bring your body back into alignment, and it might also bring a sense of clarity that might have been absent during the holiday season. Meditation over time is always preferable, but even a few sessions during a stressful period can benefit you.

3)  Work on fun projects or hobbies

We often find ourselves overwhelmed during the holidays and don’t do the things that tend to bring us joy and keep us feeling healthy. Engaging in a hobby can provide you with a sense of centeredness that few other things can. Artistic endeavors are particularly beneficial or mentally engaging tasks like puzzles or Sudoku. Working on projects with family and friends can also help return you to balance as their presence will fulfill that longing for connection while still fitting into a more mundane situation.

Family and fun have a rejuvenating effect that few other things can match and will be especially beneficial when it comes to post-holiday blues. Singing or dancing together can bring a lot of joy and, if you want to keep the holiday spirit alive, you can even try some carols.

4)  Get some extra hugs

Touch has a surprising effect on our bodies. Skin-to-skin contact is one of the most important things doctors recommend to new moms, and that need for physical contact continues beyond the formative years. Hugs and touch relax our bodies and settle our minds, so take some extra time touching during this down phase.

It may make you feel vulnerable to ask for a hug, but that’s a sign that you innately recognize the value touch provides. Reach out to the people you trust the most, aim for at least two hugs a day (although supposedly seven or more is considered ideal). Get those hugs in and you’ll feel better in no time.

Utilize these four suggestions and you’ll overcome your post-holiday blues. It may take a couple of days, but each suggestion you follow will cut the time considerably.

I hope you found this article helpful. If you did, please reach out and let me know. Feel free to reach out with any questions you have.

Best of luck,

          ~Lexis

Lexis is Alexis Rae Baker. She writes from her home in Olympia.   Got a question about life, relationships, spirit? Write to Lexis at  Lexis@theJOLTnews.com