Is it just me or is it a little depressing taking down Christmas decorations? We returned home from the holidays to cold weather, a huge stack of mail - bills included - and a house full of Christmas decor that needed to be packed up and put away. I could have easily fallen into the funk that is the “post holiday blues.” It almost reminds me of a scene from the 90s cult classic Office Space. The lead character tires of his monotonous corporate job and hilarity ensues. In the scene I’m referencing he’s about to lose it after arriving at work one morning. He asks his friends in a nearby cubicle if they want to get out of the office for a few minutes and a co-worker overhears and replies, “uh-oh! Sounds like someone’s got a case of the Mondays!” When you come off the end-of-year high that was October/November/December, stepping back into the cold reality of January can feel a bit like showing up on a Monday, already tired of the workweek. Maybe you made a bunch of resolutions on January 1 and, like statistics show, have already broken most of them. In fact, I’m writing this blog on the second Friday in January which I found out has been dubbed “Quitters Day” - because research shows most who set new year goals fail to achieve them around this time. Talk about depressing! There’s also the *actual* medical condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder which the dictionary describes as “depression associated with late autumn and winter and thought to be caused by a lack of light.” It could be you are carrying grief and the holidays were pretty rough. That loved one wasn’t there to make your favorite dish, work or finances kept you from joining your family gatherings, or this season was the first Christmas after the divorce. Whatever reason you have to be sad this winter, you aren’t alone. 

Here are 10 practical ways to combat the after Christmas emptiness that can creep in. 

• Get Outside - We all know how important fresh air, Vitamin D and being in nature can be. From boosting our immunity to helping us stick to our natural circadian rhythms for quality sleep, sunlight makes a difference! Check out this blog for more specific ways on how being in nature can affect your body. 
• Find a New Passion or Dive into a New Activity - New year, new hobby! Have you always wanted to take a pottery class, learn a new language or pick back up that instrument you played a million years ago?  There’s no time like the present! My latest passion has been a deep dive into the personality tool the Enneagram and it’s been so fun. Find a friend who might want to join you and experience something new and chances are, your mood will improve! More intentional time leaves less wasted time that you’ll just end up doomscrolling and that won’t benefit anyone! 
• Exercise - You knew it was coming. Moving our bodies is good for the mind, soul and body and it’s a natural mood booster. I mean, even Elle Woods gets it ;) I was never someone who went to the gym but once I hit *cough* 40 last year - I knew that had to change. I’ve been consistently working out for the past 18 months and I can honestly say I can tell a difference in my perspective and outlook on life. If you can’t commit to a gym, grab a coat and start incorporating daily walks! 
• Practice Gratitude - I love this one because it has the potential to make a huge difference, costs nothing and only takes a few minutes. UCLA Health says research shows practicing gratitude - 15 minutes a day, five days a week for at least six weeks - can enhance mental wellness and possibly promote lasting change in perspective. That’s one post-holiday blues solution that is a must try! 
• Mindfulness/Breathing/Breath Prayers - Mindful breathing has a range of health benefits including reducing stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system that promotes relaxation. Focused breathing can improve your mood by managing negative thoughts and enhancing your focus. If you are a person of faith, I’ve been trying to learn more about breath prayers recently. I’ve found short verses work nicely like 2 Chronicles 20:21. Breathe in and say “Give thanks to the LORD,” breathe out and finish “for his love endures forever.” Do that over and over a few times throughout the day. 
• Read a Book - Did you know that reading in general has declined sharply over the last five- and 10-year periods according to recent Census figures? In 2022, fewer than 50% of adults read any book (in print or electronically) in the previous 12 months. ANY book, people. That statistic alone could send me into a depression spiral, but I digress. If you want to escape your post-holiday winter blues all you have to do is pick up a novel and you’ll immediately be transported to 19th century England (Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen), the Vietnam War (The Women by Kristin Hannah), or a dystopian future society (Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins) - all books I’ve read (or listened to) recently that are fantastic! Two people this week raved to me about The Art Thief by Michael Finkel so that might be my next escape. Don’t forget to utilize your local library or thrift stores to get them free or highly discounted. 
• Routine Change Up - Sometimes the monotony of life can be a joy-killer. It’s a new year so don’t be afraid to shake things up. That might mean changing your schedule to wake up early to give yourself time for exercise, journaling or reading before the rush out the door. It could mean instead of a long lunch break buying lunch, you bring food from home and make time for a 20-minute walk around the building. In the evenings, instead of scrolling on the couch you put on some music or a favorite podcast and puzzle! 
• Plan a Trip (preferably to somewhere warm) - Now this is probably my favorite because traveling is my love language. Having a trip to look forward to or spend time preparing for is a great way to get your mind off the monotony of winter. Even if the trip doesn’t take place for a few months, it’s something to look forward to.
• Sing Your Sorrows Away - I saw a hilarious meme that joked “Therapy is expensive. Instead scream ‘From Now On’ from The Greatest Showman 2x or 3x a week.” I then proceeded to belt out all the songs from that movie and my mood was immediately lifted! Find music that motivates you and pretend to audition for American Idol - smiles will inevitably follow! 
• Start Volunteering - If you aren’t involved in some consistent service-oriented project or group now is a great time to get started! Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering or serving in your local house of worship, look for ways to encourage and serve others and you will most likely be encouraged right along the way!

In addition to all the above post holiday blues solutions, consider some self-care products as well. Start your day with some herbal tea with honey while spending time meditating, breathing or gratitude journaling. If you recently lost someone, consider choosing a memorial keepsake that honors their memory as you step into a new year. The sound of windchimes is calming so check out the many options Laurelbox offers. Add a candle to your evening relaxation routine, whether it is a memorial candle in honor of a loved one or a “fun” one found in our home collection from our sister company Candlehouse.

I hope this blog brought awareness to emotional struggles that can stem from post-holiday blues. Many people struggle with feelings of sadness after the holidays so I offered 10 practical ways to change your perspective. I also shared some self-care strategies and gifts to bring peace during a difficult period of time. Remember, if you are struggling with persistent thoughts of sadness and depression, reach out to a mental health provider. Many insurance plans cover some form of mental health and you might as well start at the first of the year working on that deductible!