Health Feature Articles
Those post-holiday blues
Gail Carlson, MPH, Ph.D., former Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
True or false: Feeling let down, sad, tired or lacking in energy after the holidays is usually a sign that the holidays were disappointing,
unpleasant or did not meet expectations?
Many people will answer "true" when asked this question. The
holidays can be a time of joy, fun and excitement. They can also
be tiring, disappointing and tension packed. People sometimes feel
blue or let down during or immediately after the holidays. It
is easy to assume that these feelings are a sign that the holiday
did not go well or that changes need to be made. That might be one
explanation. However, that let down feeling may be nothing more
than your body's need to relax and recuperate after a very busy
and hectic schedule.
During the holidays, there are many events, activities and people that act as stressors. Stressors are anything that causes stress. Some stressors are caused by negative events while others are the result of things that we look forward to.
Negative stressors that can occur around the holidays are family
arguments, disappointment over gifts, concern about spending too
much money, loneliness, not being able to get home for the holidays,
not enough sleep, too many people. But, events that we truly look
forward to can also be stressful -- visiting with friends and families,
shopping for and wrapping
gifts, preparing food, decorating the house, eating favorite or
special food, and the change of routine and pace.
It is important to remember that some people do truly become
depressed during the holidays. Holidays are not a magical cure for
people who are lonely and sad. The best gift you might be able to
give someone who is depressed is the assurance that you don't expect
him/her to automatically feel better because it is a holiday. Encourage
involvement in holiday activities and events, but give that person
some space and permission to leave when they feel they need to.
For the rest of us the major concern is stress overload. Stress
can be caused by a single major event such as the disappointment
that occurs when an unexpected ice storm keeps family members away
from a planned gathering. It can also result when little things
pile up, even things we enjoy -- too many parties, late evenings,
the added tension of having house guests, time schedules, a change
in routine, etc. The body needs a chance to recover from stress.
Without these rest periods, individuals are more susceptible to
emotional tension and physical illness. There is also more risk
of a breakdown in family communication.
While there are some things that are beyond our control, there
are things we can do to keep holiday stress in check.
- Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Don't try to make it "the best ever."
- Make a list and prioritize the most important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Pace yourself. Organize your time.
- Establish a budget and stick to it! Don't forget to add the cost of all those special holiday foods that you plan to prepare.
- Enjoy holiday activities that are free such as driving around to look at decorations or go window-shopping without buying anything.
- Don't drink too much. Excessive drinking will only make you tired and depressed.
- Spend time with people who are supportive and who care about you. Make new friends during special times when you are alone.
- Recognize that life brings change. The holidays don't need to be just like they were in the "good old days" to be enjoyable. Develop some new family traditions. Celebrate the holidays in a way you have not done before.
- Find time for yourself! Don't spend all your time providing activities for your family and friends.
Before jumping to the conclusion that those post-holiday blues are
a sign that something did not go well, remember that this reaction
may be nothing more than your body relaxing and returning to a pre-stress
stage. If the holidays weren't what you expected, talk it over with
your family and make some changes. On the other hand, if you enjoyed
your holidays but still have that "let down" feeling, try to relax
and just accept your body and mind's need to recuperate after an
exciting and fun filled time.
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
Last Updated 01/04/2010
