The following steps can be taken if you have experienced holiday blues in the past or are concerned that you may experience them after the holidays:

How to prevent the holiday blues

• Tidy up: It can be very dispiriting to walk into a mess when returning from the holidays. Instead, make sure your home is tidy for your return from vacation.
• Have time to adjust: It’s best to give yourself a few days before hopping back into work and reality. Try to schedule and plan your days to transition back to your normal routines. Make time to complete laundry, grocery shopping, and unpacking tasks.
• Plan something small: When you return from the holidays, try having a little event planning, like a brunch or movie with friends. It doesn’t have to be expensive, considering tight budgets, and it doesn’t need to be right after returning from vacation. This is an ideal way to remind you that the fun hasn’t ended just because the holiday has.
• Make some downtime:Plan some time to relax after the holidays. This can help create a sense of calmness that will decrease your anxiety and stress.

Even though there are ways to prevent the holiday blues from striking, they may still occur. In many ways, coping with the post-holiday blues is comparable to coping with anxiety and depression. Here are some ideas that can help you cope with the holiday blues:

1.  Practise self-care

Prioritise the daily needs that make you feel good. This way, your confidence, and self-esteem will boost. Some self-care needs may include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Creating needed boundaries
• Socialising with supportive people
• Exercising or meditation

2.  Sticking to a routine

It is a good idea to wake up at the same time each day and get to bed at the same time each night. In addition, it is a good idea to eat your meals at set times. On the other hand, keeping an exercise routine every day will also help you to add structure to your day and bring order to your life.

3.  Say ‘no.’ 

Feel free to say no when you are invited to participate in something. Whether you aren’t interested in it, need more energy or time to engage in it, or it conflicts with your schedule. Keeping up with social engagement can be demanding, and you should take some time for yourself. However, avoid isolating yourself too much.

4.  Set a budget

To avoid facing financial strain after the holidays, try to create a fixed budget. After the holidays, it can be tough financially, so you’ll have to decide where to spend your money. On the other hand, it can also help to buy gifts throughout the year instead of just during the holiday season.

You may want to speak with a mental health professional if the holiday blues become difficult to cope with. Or day-to-day activities become difficult to handle or if you’re experiencing persistent and severe holiday blues. Symptoms of the holiday blues can be managed at Zwavelstream Clinic by maintaining these symptoms.

Furthermore, we offer professional services for depression, chronic stress, and anxiety. If you would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact one of our staff members via our website and remember that you are not alone.