Do you feel “let down,” sad, tired, lacking in energy, now that Thanksgiving is over? Do you take that let down feeling as a sign that the holiday was disappointing, or did not meet your expectations? The holidays should be a time of joy, fun and excitement. They can also be tiring, disappointing and stressful. People sometimes feel “blue” during the holiday season. Others feel this way after the holidays have passed.
It is easy to assume that these feelings are a sign that the holiday did not go well, 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.
Some people do 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 or her to automatically feel better because it is a holiday.
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 expected bad weather keeps family members away. It can also result from a pile-up of little things, even things we enjoy – visiting with friends and family, playing with grandchildren who you don’t see very often, wrapping gifts, preparing food or just the change of routine.
While there are some things that are beyond our control, such as snowstorms, 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 a looking at the holiday decorations in your neighborhood.
- Don’t drink too much alcohol. Excessive drinking will only make you tired and depressed.
- Spend time with people who are supportive and care about you.
- Make new friends if you are alone during special times.
- Recognize that life brings change. The holidays don’t need to be just like they were in past years 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 of you time providing activities for family and friends.
Before you jump to the conclusion that those post-holiday blues are a sign that something did not go well, remember that these feelings may be nothing more than your body relaxing and returning to a pre-stress stage.
If the holidays truly weren’t what you expected, talk it over with your family, and make some changes for next year. On the other hand, if you enjoyed the holidays but still have that “let down” feeling, just relax. Accept that your mind and body need to recuperate after an exciting, fun-filled and exhausting time.
The Women’s Health Task Force meets the first Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be December 2, noon, at The Strawberry Tree in Curwensville. All interested persons are invited to attend. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
Andrea Bressler, Penn State Cooperative Extension