Solitude is where I place my chaos to rest and awaken my inner peace.
-Nikki Rowe
Every year I hope I don’t feel the let down on the other side of the holidays, and every year the post-holiday blues show up in my life. Sometimes the blues are simply here for minutes or hours, sometimes they can last for days on end. I’ve come to a place of acceptance around this fact. This often helps me to better ride out the post-holiday blues these days, as I’ve come to expect them as a normal part of the holiday season for me (and for so many of us, really). I allow myself time and space to feel any grief that needs to still be processed, while I also try to create space for the fun and excitement that a brand, new year can bring. It’s feeling the bitter with the sweet this time of year, yet again.
Please read on for some short, quick information on: common symptoms of post-holiday blues, possible causes of post-holiday blues, and coping strategies for post-holiday blues.
Here are some common symptoms of post-holiday blues:
- Feelings of loneliness
- Crying and feeling sad
- Anxiety and fear of what the future may bring
- Grief and loss
- Feeling isolated and alone
- Overwhelm and feeling like too much is hitting you all at once
What else would you add to this list?
Possible causes of post-holiday blues:
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months
- Not having fun events to look forward to in your life right now
- Feeling disconnected from family and/or friends
- Missing a loved one who has passed away
- Financial stressors from overspending throughout the holiday season
- Kids getting older and grieving this change in your life
What else would you add here?
Coping strategies for post-holiday blues:
- Talk to a therapist who is familiar with the post-holiday blues
- Mediate- quiet or guided can be helpful
- Journal- paper or digital- which ever one you prefer
- Go for a walk- getting outside, even if it’s cold, can be helpful
- Connect with family and friends- in person or online
- Exercise- high impact, low impact, yoga stretches, etc.
- Read a great book!
- Snuggle with your pet- this is the best, isn’t it?
What other coping strategies help you get past your own post-holiday blues?
Ending the holiday season with post-holiday blues can be a hard place to be. Know that you’re not alone, and that many of us are struggling with the post-holiday blues. If you need more help and support right now, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area. I’m sending lots of love and compassion your way, while you navigate the post-holiday blues!