How to Deal with the Post-Holiday Blues

After the holidays, you may feel down after returning to your normal routine. To help boost your mood, try the following ideas to help make your transition easier.

Try something new. Whether it’s a new hobby, activity, or recipe, try something new. It will take your mind off your everyday responsibilities as well as spark a new interest for you.

Volunteer. No matter where you choose to volunteer, you can experience the joy volunteering brings you. By helping others, you will feel you are truly making a difference which can make you feel fulfilled.

Enjoy the outdoors. If your job has you cooped up indoors all day, be sure to take some time to be outside. Breathing in fresh air and exercising will help you feel refreshed and energized.

Communicate with family and friends. You may be missing your family and friends after seeing them over the holidays so keep in contact with them. Whether you are meeting them in person, talking on the phone or video chatting, you can feel connected and loved.

Practice gratitude. Start a gratitude journal to remember the things you were grateful for during the holiday season. Even thinking of one thing you have to be grateful for each day can help remind you that there are many things to be thankful for, even after the holidays are over. 

Transitioning back to your normal routine can make you feel stressed and/or depressed. If you are struggling, contact Mercy EAP at (319) 398-6575 to schedule a video, phone or in-person appointment.