You’ve taken down your favorite decorations, and you’ve put away all the new gifts you received. The kids are going back to school, and work is getting back to reality. But somehow, you can’t seem to get interested in much of anything, and you wish you could just go back to bed.
Sound familiar? If you’re like many people, you probably experience some degree of post-holiday blues. And if you already struggle with depression or anxiety, then the holidays make it tougher. Studies show that about 64 percent of Americans with existing mental health conditions say that the holidays make their symptoms worse.
If you’re feeling sad and blue, don’t push your feelings under the rug! There are a number of steps you can take to boost your mood and overcome the post-holiday blues.
Get Out of the House
Fresh air can do wonders for your mood, just getting out of the house can reduce stress and feelings of anger and irritability. Even a simple walk around the block can help you to overcome your funk and regain your old positivity.
If you live near a park or a beautiful natural area, take your walk there! But even if you live in an urban area you can benefit from walking in the fresh air. It’s a good idea to make walking outside a part of your daily routine.
Exercise
Vigorous, intense exercise can help us to overcome the blues. Doctors say that exercise can go a long way to reduce anxiety, depression, and overall negativity; it also is proven to give our self-esteem a big boost. For an even bigger boost, try exercising outside – maybe take up jogging, or try a winter sport like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
It’s a good idea to start off slow and to check in with your doctor before launching into a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.
Spend Time with Loved Ones
People with strong social networks tend to live healthier, happier lives. It’s important to maintain your connections to your friends and family, especially at moments when you’re feeling blue! Reach out to your loved ones and suggest spending the afternoon together. Even in these socially distanced times, you can talk on the phone, or take a walk together in the fresh air.
Good friends can help you overcome the blues by giving you a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. Spending time with friends and family also makes you feel like you belong. Sharing a laugh can lift your spirits and help you get out of your funk.
Getting the Help You Need
There are plenty of ordinary lifestyle changes that you can make to help fight the post-holiday blues. Cutting down on alcohol, eating healthy foods, and getting plenty of sleep also make a big difference.
But sometimes, those changes just aren’t enough. If you feel depressed, you need to make sure that you see a medical professional who can get you the help you really need.
For many people, that means taking an anti-depressant such as Prozac and Lexapro or an anxiety drug like Xanax or Ativan. If you’re already on that medication, please don’t stop taking it. And if you’re struggling to pay for your prescription, we can get you major savings. Visit our website to learn more about how RxLess can help you get a steep discount at the pharmacy for your needed medications this season.
