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