Whether you had the holiday out of a storybook, or were left feeling a little let down, the holidays can give you a run for your money in your spirit department! Here are some cheerful ways to turn “now what?” into “what’s next?” and bypass those holiday blues.
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Get Out Your Notebook
It may sound cliche, but right after the busyness of the holidays is a great time to take inventory on the past year. What were you pleased with? What do you have on your radar to accomplish? What is something new you’ve been wanting to try? Set some goals and intentions to get excited about and also take the time to do a mental health check in. Making out a list with ideas like this can inspire you to spark something new, revving up your zest for jumping out of bed. Here are a few inspiring options for jotting down your thoughts with a little more style!
ReDecorate
Things can certainly look bleak after you take down all of your lights and ornaments. Since most of this decor can look overly holiday with colors and icons, focus on the weather and season. Leave up the white twinkle lights, and add colors of silver and blue for sparkle and cool winter colors. The simple colors from snow and ice have their own relaxing beauty, and this is a good time to admire it before the pink and red of Valentine’s Day gets here.
Step Up the Self-Care
Chances are, during the rush of preparing for the holidays, numerous parties, and wrapping a mountain of gifts, your selfcare routine has been put on the back burner. If the simple things such as a hot mug of tea and a chapter from your favorite book in bed have been replaced with last minute shopping or midnight cookie baking, it’s time to ease back into it. Self care and the activities you do to wind down are an important part of your day that can’t be overlooked. As small as they are, after missing them for a few days, a big change can be noticed in irritability, anxiety, and exhaustion. Be sure that you’re taking care of yourself so that you can be at your best. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Space Out
While all the holiday gettogethers can be fun, they can be a little overwhelming, if not also tiring! Take some time off for personal space. Give yourself permission to take a day off and only spend it with yourself or just your significant other and kids. Blocking off a selected amount of time on your calendar will give you a much needed breather after the running around rush of the holidays. Look forward to a time where there is nothing on your agenda and your to-do list is greatly minimized, even if it’s just temporary.
Get Out There
There’s a saying in Norway that goes, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing”, and they’ve got the right idea. Fresh air does wonders for your mood and wellbeing, and taking advantage of it during this time is a cureall for the crankiness. Put on snow pants (this pair is only $35!) and waterproof gloves and get outside! Even if you just go for a ten minute walk or shovel snow, the physical activity and crisp air can help turn your mood around, especially with a scene change.
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Savvy Social
Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to stop seeing your friends altogether. Have smaller, more intimate dates with just two or three friends. You can still be social without having to go allout with seasonal appetizers and mulled punch and the whole nine yards. A simple get-together with just snacks and drinks and couch time can be just the thing you need to recover from having to navigate a house full of parties every weekend.
Relive and Savor the Best Moments
Sure, you may have burnt two of your side dishes. Maybe you had your glass ornaments break. Maybe you couldn’t even have a tree this year because your toddlers kept pulling it down. Happiness isn’t found in having everything put together perfectly. Think about all the things you did right or that went right. You made a trifle desert and the bowl was empty in an hour. Your brother brought his new girlfriend and she was a sweetheart. Everyone told you what a good time they had and that your home is warm and inviting. Nothing is more perfect than someone who just keeps trying.
Concentrating on the time after the holidays can help increase your well being and realize that not everything on the todo list is essential for your perfect holiday. Find things to look forward to well into January lessens the pressure of a perfect party on one day, and can extend your holiday spirit well after the New Year.
