After a flurry of travel, cooking, eating, entertaining, shopping, and
then more of the same, the new year rings in. Then what??
The joy of the holidays and meeting with family and friends is usually also accompanied with a certain amount of stress, anxiety, nervous energy, and of course, over indulging. But it's what you can do afterward that can help bring you back into balance. If you find yourself wondering, why do I feel so depressed? Here are some tips to get you feeling better, and more likely to stick to your resolutions for 2008.
1. Throw out all of those left-over chips, holiday cookies, and anything resembling a fruit-cake. Try to stay away from too many "boxed foods" and add more sweet fresh fruits and crunchy veggies to satisfy for snacks. To detoxify and rehydrate, drink plenty of water (8-12 cups/day) and if you have a hard time drinking enough liquids, add a squeeze of lemon or lime to your water or a splash of fruit juice for flavor that will encourage you to drink more. Drinking herbal teas and eating fresh fruit are also a good option to up your fluid intake.
2. Keep in touch with family and friends by phone and email, especially ones who live further away. Part of the joy of the holidays is being surrounded by loved ones, even when it can be stressful at times. After the holidays, parties decline, families go back to their routines and suddenly you may find yourself feeling lonely without even realizing why. Staying connected helps stave off depression and makes you feel part of a greater whole.
3. Take a daily walk. Even if the weather is crummy, bundle up and bear it. It doesn't have to be a long walk, but it will get the blood moving and boosts mood and circulation. If the sun is out, take a brisk early morning walk to get some much needed vitamin D. If you have a friend who can join you, all the better.
4. Find a daily ritual and stick to it. Whether it be a walk, or drinking a cup of tea or coffee, listening to your favorite music, taking a bath, etc. pick something you enjoy and will enjoy doing everyday. The routine creates a sense of constancy, comfort and gives you a brief time of repose in your busy day.
5. Keep a journal. Writing about your emotions, daily events and desires helps you reconnect you with your values, your hopes and desires and is a great stress reliever. Journaling also helps boost your immunity by allowing yourself to freely express your emotions and thoughts without being judged.
6. If you continue to feel depressed, see your doctor. You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or may need the help of a trained mental health professional to help you get back on track.
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