Everyone is relieved when the holidays are over, and
sometimes disappointed. If you're worn out, it's worth your while to take the
time to recharge a little, and pamper yourself. Here are four simple tips for
handling these common blues:
* If you are disappointed, and the holidays let you down in
some way, process that first. Write in your journal, talk to an understanding
friend or family member, and sort through your feelings. Understand what you
were disappointed about, and what you're going to do to avoid that scenario in
the future. (If Uncle Harry got drunk and ruined holiday dinner, consider not
serving booze) If the problem was a big one (your boyfriend left you, someone
died, you got some terrible news over the holidays) then consider getting the
help of a good therapist or support group -- don't deal with tragic news alone.
* If you're just tired from all the celebration, cooking and
preparation, consider pampering yourself. If you have the budget for it, take a
spa day, or a night in a hotel. If the budget is shot, then get together with
girlfriends and give each other manicures or makeovers. Set aside an evening
with your hubby or boyfriend for massage, a DVD and popcorn, or just hanging
out together, without all the company. Take a nap, a bubble bath, or a day off
to do nothing. Picnic in the living room with your kids and pets.
* It's a new year -- consider refreshing yourself with
something different. Try a different hair color, new makeup, a new workout
routine, or take some (inexpensive) dance lessons or pottery or art classes at
your local Department of Parks and Recreation, Community College Adult School,
or your church or Jewish Community Center.
* Have some simple fun. You just spent two months doing
complicated things -- working out family holidays, buying gifts, cooking,
shopping and entertaining. Do something very easy that's fun for you. Take a
bike ride along the beach or the river, read a new novel, watch your favorite
comedy movie, hang out with your best friend for coffee, e-mail a funny YouTube
video to your friends, play with your children or pets.
If your post-holiday blues are perennial, or run in your
family, you might benefit from setting up an appointment to meet with a
therapist. Families can benefit from therapy when they experience any stressful
event that may strain family relationships, such as financial hardship,
divorce, or the death of a loved one.
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