We’ve all been there…the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over and the post-holiday blues can tend to set in. All the gifts have been opened, friends and family have left town and we must settle back into our daily routines. The cold and dark months of January and February can cause us to feel down, especially without any big holidays to look forward to.
Here are some ways to manage these post-holiday blues!
- If you made a New Year Resolution(s) – This can pack on a lot of added stress. When we have been on
vacation and taking things easy, our resolutions can seem difficult to maintain. If we do not maintain them then we often feel bad about ourselves. Try making smaller resolutions and apply them on a month-to-month basis. If you succeed, then carry it into the next month. If you do not, then make a new one that seems more realistic for you to maintain! - Keep in touch with friends and family regularly – Just because the holidays are over and loved ones may be out of town does not mean that we cannot keep up the contact. Make it a priority to speak to friends and family at least once a week, even if it is just for a few minutes. This can help with feelings of loneliness.
- Ease back into your routines – Avoid jumping back into things all at once if possible. Allow yourself mental breaks and do a little more each day. If this is done gradually then we will feel more productive and motivated.
- Reach out for help – If you are still struggling and feel as though you may be entering into a depression, tell someone. Make an appointment to see a therapist. Starting a new year can be stress-inducing and intimidating. Make sure to tell someone if you think you may need extra help!
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About Shelton Piland: Shelton is a Resident in Clinical Social Work and provides services at our Fredericksburg location. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a B.A. in Sociology. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Throughout her time at VCU she has worked with elementary, middle school, and high school students in the Spotsylvania Public School system. Shelton has also worked with veterans and their families at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. She is certified in Motivational Interviewing and in Inter-Professional Collaboration. Shelton has experience working with individuals, children, couples, families, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and hospice patients. To learn more about Shelton, visit here.
