Having a hard time packing up those holiday lights? Are you feeling unhappy, unhealthy, stressed, or just plain low? Many people experience a sense of disappointment, concern, and emotional and physical exhaustion right after the holidays. It’s important to remember that there’s plenty you can do to get out of the post-holiday doldrums.

Make healthy choices. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and get back on the path to feeling energetic. You don’t have to commit to a gym membership—just start by taking a 30 minute walk after meals. You’ll feel better and be doing yourself a favor. Try tossing out all of the sweets and really unhealthy treats left over from the holidays. Eating better is treating you better. And don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep—there’s nothing better for you than being rested and ready to take on this coming year.

Seek advice. If you need an ear to be lent, a shoulder to be wept upon, call up a buddy, seek counsel from a therapist, or join a support group. If you prefer to keep it to yourself, start up a new journal, and compile memories and pictures, thoughts and feelings from this past holiday and the ones preceding it. Write down want you want to do for next year’s holiday, and what you hope to accomplish by then.

Take care of yourself. Spend some time alone to reflect and relax. Maybe buy yourself a present, listen to your favorite music, take a long bath, and watch your favorite movies. If you are not in the mood to be alone, find a way to help others. The season of giving is never over; if you can help your neighbor shovel their driveway, lend your friend a shoulder to cry on, a family member who hasn’t gone out to the movies in years, or if there’s a place you like to volunteer, do so!

Meditate on the past month or so, but don’t dwell on what expectations were not met. Be thankful, remember the good times which were had, and find peace in the enjoyment of those memories. Look forward to the coming year. Accept that the holidays have passed and it’s O.K.! Don’t feel pressured to take down those lights, leave them up until you’re feeling better. And remember: you will feel better, in time.

For a helpful article on Blowing Off the Post-Holiday Blues, visit WebMD.

For more information on post-holiday grief support, feel free to contact Northwest Hospital Seattle’s Spiritual and Grief Counseling at (206) 368 – 1891.