We’re well into the new year and you might find you feel a little deflated. The holidays are often a whirlwind of activity and emotion involving a busy schedule of shopping, school events, and get-togethers with friends and family. If you’re experiencing an emotional downer now the holidays have passed, there are many things you can do to lift your mood. These strategies will boost your spirits as we head towards Easter!
Tip 1: Take advantage of the extra time to reflect
Since the holiday hullabaloo is over, you have some time to reflect. What do you like about your life? What would you like to change?
Tip 2: Think of small goals you’d like to accomplish
Do you want to finally get that hall cupboard cleaned out? Maybe you can now complete that special project your boss has wanted you to do.
It’s a good time to make a list of all those little tasks you want to get done. Having a list will help you concentrate on your goals. Plus, it’s wonderful to draw a line through an achieved goal!
Tip 3: Focus on you for a change
Now is the time to hone in on personal desires and goals. Perhaps you want to exercise more or spend more quality time with your children. Ponder how you might go about making the changes you seek. Think of taking little steps towards these goals.
4. Pursue an interest
We’ve all got those interests we hope to “get to” someday. Since you’ve got some downtime now, why not go for it? Delve into that subject you’ve been curious about or start the photography class you’ve longed to take. If you’re not sure what you’re interested in, do some research. Visit your local library, browse some magazines or look in the newspaper. You’ll most likely find a couple of topics or activities you’d like to learn more about.
Tip 5: Have a dinner party
You’ll have plenty of time to plan and prepare for this event with people you really care about. You’ll enjoy yourself and your mood will lift. If a dinner party isn’t practical, organise a meal at your favourite restaurant.
Tip 6: Renew and refresh your surroundings
Do you feel like re-arranging the furniture in a room or two? Maybe you want to paint the walls or make new curtains. Re-decorating your surroundings is a wonderful way to go into a new year and banish the holiday blues at the same time. Re-focusing on your surroundings and thinking about any changes you want to make will help you de-focus from the doldrums.
Tip 7: Re-connect with old friends
There’s something so wonderful about making that call you’ve wanted to make. Hearing your friend’s voice again will bring great joy to your heart. It might be a friend from the old neighbourhood or a past co-worker you were once great friends with.
If you’re feeling down now that the Christmas holidays are behind you, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll begin to rise above those post-holiday blues when you try some of these strategies. Taking some quality time for yourself during this period can lighten your mood immensely and ignite your excitement for the year ahead.