Beating Those Post-holiday Blues

  • Published
  • By Julie Gold
  • Humana Military Healthcare Services
MacDill AFB, Fl --  Most people find the holidays cheerful, optimistic times. Unfortunately, these hopes are not always met by reality; holidays can leave people feeling blue. Those who are usually content and calm can become stressed during the holidays. Some people feel excessive stress and anxiety after the holidays, suffering from symptoms including headaches and sleepiness.
It is important to realize that the holiday season is stressful. There are, however, some steps you can take to decrease your tendency towards falling into a post-holiday slump:

· Accept your feelings. Don't criticize yourself for feeling blue. Instead, change your routine to change your mood: try going for a walk, listening to upbeat music or window shopping. Consider spending some time outside, as exposure to sunlight elevates many people's moods. 

· Volunteer to help people in need. Not only will you feel good about helping, but you will distract yourself from your own worries. 

· Take care of yourself. Poor nutrition can cause fatigue and headaches. Eat more high-fiber foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables and drink at least eight glasses o water a day. A well-balanced diet will help you maintain energy. Exhaustion and stress can lead to depression, so get enough sleep, and find time for regular exercise. 

· Reduce alcohol consumption. Because alcohol is a depressant, excessive drinking will make you feel more "blue." Before you pick up a drink, think about how you will feel when the buzz wears off. 

· Enjoy time to yourself. Now that the holidays are past, enjoy the time you have to yourself. Do something that you enjoy.
· Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and loved ones. If you still can't shake the blues, consider seeking professional help.

For more information coping with the blues and other behavioral health and work/life issues visit Achieve Solutions on the Humana Military Healthcare Services website at www.humana-military.com or call TRICARE South Behavioral Health at 1-800-700-8646. Representatives are available to assist you Monday-Friday 8AM-7PM ET.

Note about the author: Julie Goldsmith is a contributing writer for Lifescape, LLC, providing online behavioral health and work life products for ValueOptions' Achieve Solutions program. ValueOptions is the subcontractor for behavioral health in the South Region.