At first, January brings the excitement of a new beginning and the endless possibilities of the year ahead. But after a week or two, as the newness of the New Year fades, that post-holiday feeling sinks in. The weather remains cold and grey, and the anticipation we feel can easily be dimmed. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. While it’s normal to feel somewhat down at this time of year, there are ways to combat it—including seeking the right support if you find yourself with more significant symptoms than just that January feeling.
From Merry and Bright to Boredom and Blue Monday
So what exactly are the post-holiday blues? Put simply, after weeks of planning, socializing and all the activity that the holiday season brings, the abrupt shift back to our regular routine can lead to understimulation, which can leave us feeling sad or lonely—like something is missing.
You’ve also likely heard of ‘Blue Monday’—the third Monday in January and supposed saddest day of the year. While there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim, the concept behind it is similar to that of post-holiday blues. A sudden reduction of excitement in our day-to-day, ongoing frigid temperatures and a lack of sunlight can all contribute to a downward shift in mood.
It’s Just January
Unfortunately, January has become known as a bit of a downer, but it isn’t January’s fault that it falls when it does—it’s really just a month like any other. When we shift our energy away from blaming the month and toward addressing the true bearers of a bad mood, we can all make strides to feel better during this time of year.
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- Get your move on. Physical activity has plenty of benefits, and improving mood is a major one! Nothing combats those blah feelings like a rush of endorphins—bonus points if you can add some vitamin D to the mix by getting your activity in during daylight hours.
- Catch some zzzs. It’s difficult to get back into a regular schedule after all the fun of the holidays, but one routine that should always take precedence is bedtime. More than just keeping bad moods at bay, proper sleep is crucial to our brain health and overall well-being.
- Go easy on yourself. A list of New Year’s resolutions, all those emails you didn’t feel like responding to in December and your usual to-dos—things can pile up quickly and become overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important to give yourself the time and space you need to get back in the swing of things.
Is it More Than That Feeling?
If you find that despite your best efforts you can’t shake the funk you’ve been in, it could be something more. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during the same time each year, most commonly during fall and winter months due to the decrease in daylight hours. Should you recognize persistent symptoms (e.g., sadness, fatigue, irritability), it could be SAD or another form of depression—the only way to know is by connecting with a professional who can provide a diagnosis.
Whether you’re working through that January feeling or need a little extra support any time of year, our Employee Assistance Programs offer counseling and so much more. Take time for self-care as it’s essential in managing your mental health during these times and be sure to reach out when you need to—you’ll be glad you did.
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