Beating the Holiday Blues: Embracing Self Care and Giving Yourself A Break

Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. However, not everyone has the opportunity to go on a holiday or maybe you have already returned from your, leaving you susceptible to the holiday blues. Fortunately, there are various ways to overcome these feelings and incorporate small acts of selfcare and breaks from work into your routine so you can enjoy some of the same wellbeing benefits of time away.

In this blog post, we will explore strategies to help you beat the holiday blues, regardless of whether your holiday has already passed or if you aren't able to go on a holiday at all.

1 — Reflect on the positive memories:

If your holiday has already come to an end, or its been a while since you experienced one, take some time to reflect on the positive memories and experiences you had. Remind yourself of the joyful moments, the laughter shared, and the new things you discovered. Immersing yourself in these memories can help counteract the post-holiday blues and bring back a sense of happiness and contentment. Try holding a favourite photo of your time away in your hand, take in every detail for a few minutes and then close your eyes. See if you can take yourself back to how you felt in that moment. See the sights, hear the sounds, feel the warmth or coolness of the air on your skin and remember how you felt.       

2 — Create a post-holiday routine

Returning to work or regular daily life after a vacation can be challenging. To ease the transition, establish a post-holiday routine that incorporates small acts of selfcare. Set aside time each day for activities you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in a hobby. This will help you maintain a sense of balance and relaxation even after the holiday is over. You could even continue to include a new habit you started whilst away such as having fresh fruit for breakfast or continuing to read books by an author you enjoyed whilst on your travels.

3 — Plan mini-breaks or staycations

If you weren't able to go on a holiday or it is already behind you, consider planning mini-breaks or staycations throughout the year. Set aside specific weekends or days off from work to focus on selfcare and rejuvenation. Explore local attractions, visit nearby parks, or pamper yourself with spa treatments or a home spa day. These small breaks can provide a refreshing change of pace and give you something to look forward to. The key thing however is to mark them as ‘not to be moved’ appointments in your diary so they definitely happen. It can be tempting when we can’t afford a traditional holiday to not take the time off work we would designate for one but it is ok to take time off to just lounge in your garden or pamper yourself too.

4 — Connect with loved ones

The holiday season often brings people together, creating a sense of warmth and belonging. If you're feeling down after the holidays, make an effort to connect with loved ones. Plan gatherings or outings with friends and family, organize game nights or movie marathons, or simply have a heartto heart conversation over a cup of coffee. Nurturing these social connections can help uplift your spirits and combat feelings of loneliness or post-holiday blues. Sometimes we hide ourselves away because we don’t want to hear about how great our friends or family’s holiday was or we feel we don’t have any good stories to tel but true friends will understand this and if you have even some small plans to spend time exploring or in selfcare you will be able to talk excitedly about these.

5 — Practice gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for cultivating positivity and contentment. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, whether big or small. Write them down in a journal or share them with someone close to you. Focusing on gratitude shifts your mindset towards appreciation and can counteract any feelings of sadness or longing.

6 — Prioritise selfcare

Self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being, especially during times when you may feel the holiday blues. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. This can include exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it is a necessary component of a balanced and fulfilling life.

While the end of a holiday or the inability to go on one can bring about feelings of sadness or longing, it is possible to beat the holiday blues and find joy and contentment in everyday life. By incorporating small acts of selfcare, reflecting on positive memories, planning mini-breaks or staycations, connecting with loved ones, practicing gratitude, and prioritizing selfcare, you can overcome the post-holiday blues and create a fulfilling and rejuvenating routine. Embrace these strategies, and let the holiday spirit stay with you throughout the year.