5 Ways To Beat The Post-Christmas Blues
It happens to me every year. I throw myself wholeheartedly into the build-up to Christmas: the Advent church services, the decorations everywhere, the heavenly holiday foods, even shopping for presents, and, of course, the Christmas music. But on December 26th, I get the dreaded post-Christmas blues.
Why do so many of us sink into this funk? Part of the problem could be the over-the-top expectations that we put on the holiday season. The commercial Christmas experience gets bigger and bigger every year. We escalate how we celebrate and then, just like that, it’s over.
I suppose going through the post-Christmas blues or any kind of depressed feeling is natural after experiencing an emotional high. It’s the roller coaster of life. Ups and downs. The day after Christmas is definitely a down. I took the photo below at a zoo on December 26, 2017. The look on that monkey’s face was exactly how I felt.
Phil Harris/WKQC
The good news is that the funk doesn’t last forever. In fact, we don’t have to suffer through it at all. Here are some steps we can all try to beat the post-Christmas blues:
1. Keep your Christmas spirit alive. Did you give to charity or do any volunteer work during the holiday season? Why stop caring now? Make that a year-round part of your life. Concern for others creates joy within ourselves.
2. Don’t just sit there…MOVE! No, I’m not talking about getting the perfect beach body. There are other benefits to working out. Exercise has always helped me improve my mood and outlook on life. Activate those endorphins and work those muscles. It’s good for your brain as well as your buns.
3. Focus on the future. We have a whole new year to look forward to and that’s an opportunity to make positive changes. But the key to succeeding with any sort of resolution is to set specific goals and write them down.
4. Be grateful for what you already have. Unfortunately, some people feel the need to turn Christmas into a competition. Who got the biggest tree, the most toys, the best vacation? Don’t get caught up in that nonsense. Instead, follow the old adage to “count your blessings.” It’s good advice and you’ll be happier.
5. Celebrate Christmas more often. You don’t need icicle lights on your house in July, but you can gather with friends and family more than once a year. Host parties, get together for meals, give a gift just because. Be the Santa we all long for the other 364 days of the year.
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