How to manage post Valentine blues

Portia Arthur

February 15, 2016 5:15 PM

Drinking too much, eating foods high in sugar and fat, spending money you do not have all contribute to holiday stress and blues.

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While it may be unpleasant, the post-holiday blues can be overcome with a little determination, some perspective and a little self-care.

These are tips will help you recover from holiday blues.

Feeling sad, lonely, or melancholy is normal, especially during holiday. Accept these feelings without berating yourself, but remember that the holiday blues will pass. When down in the dumps, it can seem like you will be stuck there forever. It is easier to survive a tough situation when you know it is temporary.
Practice good health habits: eat right, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly. Staying healthy reduces the intensity of the blues and its impact on your daily activities.
Don't dwell on the past or focus on what is missing in your life. Comparing your situation to romanticized holiday movie images is a recipe for depression. Instead, reduce your expectations, create new holiday traditions, and help others find joy in the holidays. This helps to take the focus away your sadness.

Spend time with people, even if you feel lonely in a crowd. Reach out to someone with whom you have lost touch. If you have no one to provide comfort, treat yourself like a welcome houseguest by doing something out of the ordinary. Treating yourself better will evoke more confidence in your ability to survive this tough period.
Avoid overdoing it: drinking too much, eating foods high in sugar and fat, spending money you do not have all contribute to holiday stress and blues.

Portia Arthur