As I write this, it’s a mere few days after Christmas and I’m already seeing it: the post-Christmas blues. Instagram posts of Christmas decor abound with captions already lamenting the day it will have to be put away. Some are sad for the kids to have to go back to school (though I suspect some are not). And almost no one wants to return to work because we’d all rather sit on our couches watching our favorite Christmas movie than sit at our desk staring at tiny excel boxes.
So how do we fight those post-Christmas blues?
Empower Your Body
Most of our jeans fit a little tighter on January 1 than they did before Halloween. Sweets and once a year treats abound in the last few months of the year, and I for one will never regret that second piece of my grandma’s lemon pie. But those sweet treats slow our bodies down, dysregulate our blood sugar, and don’t need to become habits. So here’s a short list of things that will help your body fight the blues.
Get in the sun. Commit to going outside on any day that the temperature is above whatever your minimum is. For me it’s 50 degrees: if it’s 50* or higher, I will go take a walk at lunch or after my kids’ nap time.
Look into taking vitamin D. This is especially good if you can’t get out in the sun because of the shorter days.
Hydrate. Our brains are slow and foggy when we are dehydrated. Maybe choose to drink a glass of water before that second cup of coffee.
Exercise. This doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Get on YouTube and find some type of free exercise video that you like there, get a buddy for accountability, and just do it.
Meal plan. It streamlines decision making so that you are less likely to just go by the Chick-Fil-A drive through when you’ve had a rough day at work and feel so done.
Empower Your Mind
It’s hard to get our minds in a good spot if our bodies are sluggish. So don’t skip the first part just because you think feeling bluesy is strictly a mind problem. Speaking of your mind though…
Reflect and praise. When we consciously appreciate what has passed over the holiday season, we allow that gratitude to set the mood moving forward.
Consider therapy. As you reflect, be honest with yourself: is this just a touch of seasonal blues, or is this a symptom of a problem that’s been going on much longer?
Stay connected. The holidays can people us out. Pick a few people to intentionally stay connected to in January.
Plan something. We always visit our BFF’s from our time in Kansas City over MLK weekend. Looking forward to this is actually energizing me as I take down my Christmas decor.
Empower Your Spirit
My word for the 2020 is “abide.” In John 15 it talks about how if we do not abide in God then we can do nothing. In seasons of hardship, (due to internal and/or external struggle) it is imperative that we stay connected to the only One who can give us life.
Abide in His word daily. Start where you are and don’t shame yourself thinking about a time when you were spending more time in God’s word.
Pray. I’m terrible at this one so I’m rereading Timothy Keller’s book, Prayer.
Be in community with other believers. Good relationships are a key factor in our happiness and contentment.
If you look at your habits and see that you are doing all the good things but are not feeling better, then it’s probably time to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If the thought of changing a habit or adding anything good to your life makes you want to crumble and hide, then it is also time to go see a professional.
Let’s not get stuck with the “holiday blues” or any form of lasting sadness. God did not design us to do life on our own: connect with God, friends, and good help. There is hope in 2020!
Meet the Author!
Phoebe is a therapist in private practice at Bethany Counseling Center, mom to the very lively Vivi and very chill Charlie, and wife to Jeff. You may spot her out and about at almost any Target in the area with a coconut milk latte in hand. She enjoys nonfiction books, Disney movies, and helping others find peace and healing in the hope of the Gospel.
This blog is meant to further the conversation about mental health and is not intended as medical or professional advice.
