Post-Holiday Blues

Post-holiday blues may feel like a slump, a letdown, or sadness.

People often ask me, “why do I feel so unmotivated returning to work?” or “is this just sadness after the holidays, or am I turning towards depression?” Most importantly, I am asked: “what do I do about feeling so anxious and sad in January?” Your questions, answered below.

Difference between post-holiday blues and depression?

The main difference lies in number of symptoms, distress and impairment. Actual depression needs to last at least two weeks, and has a few of these:

• Feeling down for several days (think “blue glasses” that color everything sadder)

• Feeling like a failure

• Loss of interest in things you used to like to do

• Fatigue

• Concentration issues

• Sleep issues

• Appetite issues

  In depression, people usually feel very distressed about their mood and body changes. They usually find it hard to carry on in their personal lives and at work or school.

How long do post-holiday blues last?

Typically, if it’s related to adjusting back to your old routine, I recommend giving it 1-2 weeks. That’s about the time for your brain to slide back into your old schedule. Your brain is still trying to “de-program” from the spontaneity and rush of the holiday schedule.

How did I get here?

Think about what was so meaningful about the holidays. Try to come up with 1-3 really important values. Think about what made the holidays different than your normal routine. Not just what you did, but why you did it. For example, maybe you spent the week living out gratitude, friendship, and exploration. Now think of your typical post-holiday week. Are you living out those values in your day-to-day schedule? Maybe in some ways, but not others. Or maybe not at all.

Now, here is the challenge as you gently ease back into your former routine: What can I do, even the smallest thing, that could live out those values that are out-of-sync?

I think you’ll find some relief after making even a few minor adjustments, scheduling in some meaningful activities, and giving it time. And if you don’t- we’re always here to talk.