SCH 131 Five Hacks to Help You Deal With Post-Holiday Blues

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It might be Christmas day, but the post-holiday blues can hit you at any time during the holiday season. Here’s how to deal with those feelings.

The Post-Holiday Blues Can Start Before the Holiday Season Ends

I know, Christmas wrapping paper and piles of dishes litter the house, but that doesn’t mean we can’t suffer from post-holiday blues. Sometimes the stress of preparing for a big event, along with misguided expectations of how our event will play out can set us up for a big emotional fall. And if we struggle to remain the present, we often miss the small moments that create the best memories.

Kicking yourself for any of the above won’t help. It will only make you feel worse. Even if your holiday dinner burns (or the dog steals the turkey) or Uncle Bob has a viterperous argument with Cousin Edward over politics, you can choose what you focus on. And I choose to focus on what I can control: myself and my emotions. I’ve spent a lot of time the past year learning to give up control over that which I can’t control.

For me, control looks a lot like responsibility. I’m not responsible for Uncle Bob or Counsin Edward. My children’s actions (they’re both adults) belong to my children. I don’t have to LIKE their decisions or actions, but I don’t have to take responsibility for them, either.

Looking back, the times I’ve succumbed to post-holiday blues involve the times when I tried to take control and responsibility for everyone else and failed to manage my own attitude.

Do you find yourself struggling with post-holiday blues? What go-to solutions do you use? I’d love to hear from you!

It might be Christmas day, but the post-holiday blues can hit you at any time during the holiday season. Here's how to deal with those feelings. #SelfcareSunday, #selfcare #SelfCareHacks, #holidayblues #winterblues #emotions #mentalhealth #lackofdaylight #shortdays #emotionalhealth

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5 Comments

“I’ve spent a lot of time the past year learning to give up control over that which I can’t control.” Me, too! It’s a hard lesson to learn!

I totally relate to your following statement Anita;
“For me, control looks a lot like responsibility. I’m not responsible for Uncle Bob or Counsin Edward. My children’s actions (they’re both adults) belong to my children. I don’t have to LIKE their decisions or actions, but I don’t have to take responsibility for them, either.”

It’s a piece of wisdom I needed today!
Thank you!
Jennifer
Tea With Jennifer recently posted…The Dance of the Butterflies

Learning to relinquish control of everything else and focus on the things that are my responsibility has been a lesson I’m continually working on – and this year more than ever!

It is such an important to skill to be able to NOT take responsibility for the actions of others. I think we have all experienced/witnessed situations like Cousin Edward and Uncle Bob and it is really easy to assume responsibility for their actions especially if you are the host/hostess. I started letting go of that kind of responsibility years ago and it really does make such a huge difference in your own attitude when you don’t fell obligated to help others maintain their attitudes. When family members/guests boisterously exhibit their ignorance for everyone to see, it has never been and will never be my responsibility. Although we have had to have conversations with certain adult family members to mind their words when in the company of our friends and our children. It’s sad that adults need o be reminded of such things, but that is the world we live in. Another fabulous post, my friend. I hope you had a lovely Christmas. May the new year be filled with many blessings.

Shelbee