Unwrapping the post-holiday blues: How to bounce back

After weeks of celebrating and connecting with family and friends, many people experience what is commonly called “post-holiday blues.”  The emotional dip often stems from the end of holiday excitement, time with family and financial stress.

Post-holiday blues can look like many different things to many different people.  Brandon Price, LMSW, partial hospitalization program therapist at Research Psychiatric Center – a part of HCA Midwest Health, says feeling of emptiness and sadness is common. 

“It can stem from the end of the excitement and transitioning back to regular routines,” he says. “Some people are affected not only by the end of a busy holiday season but by the colder, darker days of winter.  These feelings are temporary, manageable and completely normal.”

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Holiday burnout is real 

The holidays often disrupt regular schedules for both kids and adults. Reestablishing those routines can start to regain a sense of stability. Consistent mealtimes and sleep patterns are very important for mental health all year long, but especially as we transition out of the season.

“It’s more than just flipping the switch, turning off the lights and moving forward towards the new year” Price says.  “It starts with taking a step back and acknowledging your feelings.  Give yourself permission to feel the way you are. Then give yourself permission to move forward.”  

Fresh beginnings

The start of a new year is a perfect time for new beginnings. Instead of dwelling on what’s behind, channel your energy into setting achievable goals for the months ahead.  Price recommends:

• Learning a new skill
• Focusing on fitness
• Planning a future trip
• Joining a new club

“Having something to look forward to can reignite your motivation,” Price says. “Don’t let yourself get caught up in new years resolutions.  Who says you have to set them?  Think about setting smaller, attainable goals.”   

He also says don’t punish yourself too hard for not meeting the larger goals.  Reset and move forward to smaller goals motivating change. 

Get organized

After weeks of holiday chaos, your home might feel a bit cluttered. Take some time to tidy up and organize your space. A clean and organized environment can do wonders for your mental clarity and overall mood. Plus, putting away holiday decorations can help you embrace the transition back to everyday life. 

“Who says you have to get rid of your tree?  I’ve seen many people leave it up, year-round and decorate it for different holidays,” Price says. “This is also a great time to start some new, post-holiday traditions.” 

The end of the holidays doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself. Plan casual meetups with friends, schedule family dinners or join a new group activity. Regular social interactions can help combat loneliness and maintain the sense of connection you enjoyed during the holidays.

Most importantly, if you feel as though you can’t move past these negative feelings, seeking professional help is very important. 

“Speaking with a therapist or counselor is a great choice to give you some help to move past the holiday blues and into looking forward to the future,” Price says. 

The post-holiday blues are temporary, and with the right mindset and actions, you can move through them with ease. 

Are you struggling? Learn more about mental health services in Kansas City

At Research Psychiatric Center, we offer highly-trained psychologists and psychiatrists specializing in helping adolescents, teens and adults find stability and resilience despite the stress that life can bring. Whether you’re confronting depression, anxiety, addiction, grief or another challenge to your mental health, RPC specialists can help you find relief and healing.

RPC's offers multiple outpatient locations in the Kansas City area, including Intensive Outpatient and Partial Hospitalization. Learn more at ResearchPsychiatricCenter.com.