10 Ways to Cure a Holiday Hangover

So the gifts have been opened, the tree is at the curb and friends and family have all gone home. Now what?

After all the fun and festivities, it’s not surprising that many are affected by the post holiday blues. Post holiday blues (or holiday hangovers) are common in January as everyone struggles to get back to a normal routine. You might also be feeling blue if your holidays didn’t quite go as well as expected.

The ‘condition’ is most often amplified by cold and dull January weather encouraging many to ditch winter and travel down south.

Here are some tips on how to cure a holiday hangover:

1. Realize That What You’re Feeling Is Normal

Chances are you’ve felt the same way every year and this year is no different. After the holidays, the adrenaline rush is gone as you work to adapt to a new schedule. Realize this is just a phase and will pass once you settle into your new routine.

2. Go For A Walk

There’s nothing like a little fresh air and exercise to give yourself a new perspective. If you can’t get away for long, take mini breaks throughout the day to clear your mind.

3. Start Eating Healthy Again

We all tend to overeat during the holidays so this is a great time to adopt a normal diet again. Choose healthy foods that give you energy and build your immune system during the winter months. Remember what Mom used to say – “Eat your fruit and veggies!”

4. Get Back To A Normal Sleeping Schedule

During the holidays we’re busy catching up with friends and family. This often means late nights and sleeping in. Our system can seem out of whack. Now that we’re home, it’s time to get back to a normal sleeping schedule. Challenge yourself to set the alarm a bit earlier as you strive to get back on track.

5. See It As An Opportunity to Rejuvenate Yourself!

Look at the bright side. It was pretty crazy before and during the holidays with all the prep. You’ve had a break in your routine and that’s a good thing. Now is the time to take it easy as you settle back into your normal routine. The break might even have given you a new perspective on life so now is the time to make any needed changes.

6. Get Social!

Plan events with family or friends to get yourself out there again. Join a new fitness class or take a course at your local community college or University. Sometimes just being around other people can bring back some positive holiday memories!

7. Set Achievable Goals!

Be realistic with any goals or New Year’s resolutions. For best results, make them measurable and achievable. Feel free to tweak your goals if you find you’re getting off track. Perhaps most importantly, go easy on yourself. You have a whole year ahead of you!

8. Plan Activities That Make You Happy

Planning activities you love to do will revive your sense of anticipation about going out and trying new things. There are endless possibilities out there that will fit your time and budget!

9. Set Time For Yourself

Settling into a new routine doesn’t mean you can’t make time for yourself. Set some private time aside throughout the day so you can focus on what needs to be done. Try a few minutes of meditation or yoga to give yourself a break from life’s demands.

10. Laugh A Little

The classic French actor and entertainer Maurice Chevalier once said, “You don’t stop laughing because you grow older. You grow older because you stop laughing.”

Humour is out there. You just have to find it. Download your favourite comedy and watch it again. Or download a new one. Arrange a social night at a local comedy club.  Spend time with your kids and remember what it’s like to be a kid again. Opportunities are out there to feel better. You just have to find them and take action!