Beat Those Post-Holiday Blues!

December 27, 2016

When it’s actually 2017 and time to put away the noisemakers, confetti and holiday decorations, it’s not uncommon to feel like a deflated party balloon. If you experience the post-holiday blues (or the back-to-school, or back-to-work blues) experts in the happiness business recommend a few strategies that can help elevate your attitude.

Medical Methods

 Web MD says that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 may ease mood changes, especially for people who may not get enough of these nutrients. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel have omega-3s, and so do flaxseed, nuts, soybeans, and dark green vegetables. Seafood is a good source of B12, but vegetarians  can get it in fortified cereals, dairy products, and supplements.

And you knew this one was coming:  Exercise works almost as well as antidepressants for people who find themselves down after the holidays. You don’t have to run a marathon. Just take a walk with a friend. Move more through 2017 until you exercise most days of the week. You’ll feel better physically, sleep better at night, and boost your mood.

Unexpectedly, Web MD also recommends joining a dating service…if you’re single. (And ConsumerAffairs.com rates them here.) Or, you might want to volunteer for a worthy cause if you’re feeling lonely, and meet people you know are like-minded.

Quick Fixes and Lasting Strategies

post-holiday blues Tiny Buddha gave us 50 more ways to beat the post-holiday blues, ranging from things to do by yourself and for yourself, plus things to do with and for others. Here are the 15 we like the best.

  1. Fast from social media and instead, connect only in real time and in person.
  2. Sip tea, coffee, or wine with someone. Ponder the chances of winning the lottery and what you’d do with your winnings.
  3. Find a recipe you haven’t tried, then invite a friend over to be your guinea pig.
  4. Be a foster parent to a homeless pet.
  5. Perform an anonymous act of kindness.
  6. Go sightseeing in Aurora.
  7. Plant some seeds in mini-pots and watch them to germinate.
  8. Listen to mood-altering music.
  9. Get a Mani-Pedi (or facial, or massage).
  10. Enroll in a class. Pottery. Philosophy. Business. Tap dancing. Anything.
  11. Do some chores. Clean. Mop. Dust. Vacuum.
  12. Declutter closets, drawers and cupboards.
  13. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
  14. Start a clothing drive for foster children in your county.
  15. Offer to run an errand for a parent with wee ones.

Remember, it comes to beating the post-holiday blues, if you focus on making someone else’s day better, it’s a longer-lasting mood-booster, for both of you!

Best of 2016 from Southshore

Chase your post-holiday blues away by joining the lakeside master-planned community of Southshore in Aurora. Near shopping and recreation, good schools and great neighbors, there are a variety of ranch and two-story models from Village Homes and Richmond American Homes, priced from the $400s.