The Post-Holiday Blues
January is the Monday of the year. The holidays are over, it feels like there’s nothing to look forward to, you’ve returned from your travels (or moved from the couch to your desk), your kids are back at school, and you’ve started back up at work. The weather is bleak and there is less daylight (though I can hear everyone outside of Los Angeles rolling their eyes at me); life returns to normal, yet for many of us we don’t feel normal at all. We expect to start the new year feeling well rested, calmer and more grounded, and ready to make all of the changes in our lives that will make us a new and improved person. This all sounds wonderful, albeit unrealistic. If you’re struggling with adjusting to 2022, here are some ways to combat the post-holiday blues.
Shift from resolution-setting to intention-setting
In the past, the lofty resolutions I set have more often than not led to all-or-nothing thinking and an overwhelming sense of shame. When I can’t go to the gym every day, I feel like I’ve failed, and I stop exercising altogether. If I’m being honest, this usually happens before the end of January. This year, instead, I have set the intention of prioritizing my health. Intentions tend to be more values-focused and involve a more general aim or goal. My intention this year is not only less rigid, it feels attainable and hopeful. Prioritizing my health may look like exercising one day and may look like sleeping in and skipping the gym the next. Each day, I plan to prioritize my health in some way while listening to my body and understanding that I can be flexible. I encourage you to shift your resolutions into intentions this year.
Try not to punish yourself for “indulgence”
A friend of mine describes the period of time between Thanksgiving and New Years like being at the airport before a flight. You eat snacks you don’t usually eat because they’re around, you spend too much money, you drink alcohol at abnormal times of the day, and you wander around aimlessly in sweatpants. This year, it was tempting for me to feel remorse about eating and drinking more than I usually do and spending the majority of my time horizontally. In previous years, I have tried to overcompensate for this by promising myself that I will commit to more inflexible all-or-nothing behaviors. This year, I am trying to be more compassionate towards myself and I hope you can be as well. We all need a break from our routines, and as they say- “everything in moderation, including moderation!”. There is nothing inherently wrong with collapsing on the couch for a week. That being said, we know that alcohol consumption and inactivity causes a natural depletion in our brains that triggers anxiety and rumination. Instead of taking that anxiety and turning to shame-based behaviors, I am choosing to use it to create a plan moving forward with the knowledge of what makes me feel good and what doesn’t.
Practice self-care
I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but this is an especially important time to focus on yourself. After a break from work, it can be easy to throw all your energy into your job and “productivity”. Before falling into this pattern, carve out time during the day to practice self-care. When I start to feel off, I usually can connect this feeling to the amount of time I’ve spent outside. As we shift back into working from home, set reminders to move your body and go outside if you can. It can be helpful to set daily agendas where you literally write “go outside” into a time slot every day. Today, I would’ve missed my 8:00 pm bubble bath appointment if I hadn’t written it into my schedule this morning.
Connect with others
As a therapist, I feel lucky to be reminded every day that these feelings are not mine alone. In the past two week, nearly every client of mine has struggled with the post-holiday blues in some way. With the simple phrase, “you’re not alone,” many have audibly breathed a sigh of relief. If you’re feeling sad and wondering about whether or not to call a friend or family member, chances are they are feeling some sense of solidarity with you.
At Root to Rise Therapy, our therapists are here to support you through this long Monday. Together, we can transform it into a month of opportunity, intention, and support.
If you’re feeling down and need to talk, or if you’re feeling hopeful about the new year and need some help living according to your intentions, give us a call! Our Client Care Coordinator can answer your questions and match you with the best therapist to fit your needs.
Warmly,
Jessica Leader, AMFT
