5 Reasons for Post Holiday Blues

Studies show an increasing number of reported cases of depression following the holidays. To determine if you simply have post-holiday blues or a more pressing case of depression, you can ask a few questions of yourself.

1. Did I set my expectations too high? Very often anticipation causes us to set our expectations too high. This can be more severely felt after long-term plans, like making plans for Christmas. We sometimes get a picture in our minds of Courier and Ives. This is not a realistic view of the holidays. Sooner or later someone will spill the wine, or hot chocolate, whichever the choice may be. Life is not a greeting card. Try to keep things in perspective and look for the joy in the occasion by thinking of the things that were enjoyable. Leave the rest of it behind.

2. SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a disorder associated with less light. As winter creeps in and the days become shorter, some people are affected by the lack of sunlight. Are you sensitive to light changes? This problem usually passes with the arrival of spring. Spending an hour outside, even on a cloudy day can often produce beneficial results for someone suffering from this type of depression. If you suspect a more serious condition, please see your doctor.

3. Did I over-do it? There is a great possibility that you are simply tired. You spent hours shopping for just the right gifts, cooking, cleaning, decorating the house and tree, preparing for guests. Not to mention the late nights wrapping those perfect gifts, mailing gifts and greeting cards, add in your usual chores and you might really over-extend your energies. Take some down time before you try to turn your home back into the same house it was before the holiday chaos.