5 Reasons for Post Holiday Blues

Studies show an increasing number of reported cases of depression following the holidays. To determine if you simply have post-holiday blues or a more pressing case of depression, you can ask a few questions of yourself.

1. Did I set my expectations too high? Very often anticipation causes us to set our expectations too high. This can be more severely felt after long-term plans, like making plans for Christmas. We sometimes get a picture in our minds of Courier and Ives. This is not a realistic view of the holidays. Sooner or later someone will spill the wine, or hot chocolate, whichever the choice may be. Life is not a greeting card. Try to keep things in perspective and look for the joy in the occasion by thinking of the things that were enjoyable. Leave the rest of it behind.

2. SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a disorder associated with less light. As winter creeps in and the days become shorter, some people are affected by the lack of sunlight. Are you sensitive to light changes? This problem usually passes with the arrival of spring. Spending an hour outside, even on a cloudy day can often produce beneficial results for someone suffering from this type of depression. If you suspect a more serious condition, please see your doctor.

3. Did I over-do it? There is a great possibility that you are simply tired. You spent hours shopping for just the right gifts, cooking, cleaning, decorating the house and tree, preparing for guests. Not to mention the late nights wrapping those perfect gifts, mailing gifts and greeting cards, add in your usual chores and you might really over-extend your energies. Take some down time before you try to turn your home back into the same house it was before the holiday chaos.

4. Is my break from the daily grind really over? So, you've had a few extra days off from work or normal activity. You might need a little time to get used to the doldrums of daily life. Try to schedule at least one day to relax from all the activities of the holiday, before you have to get back to your regular schedule. Treat yourself to a special day; whether that means reading the latest mushy romance or indulging in a lengthy luxury bath or splurging for a massage at the local day spa. Take some time to unwind from all the excitement of the past few days.

5. Am I lonesome? Your relatives are all a distance away. If you were blessed with a nice visit with family and friends count yourself among the truly blessed. Many didn't get that luxury. Maybe your friends and family live nearby, but now they are going about their lives; going back to work and getting back to their normal schedules. This can often leave a void that was filled during a break in normal activities. Remind yourself that this is normal and you will have many more opportunities to enjoy the company of loved ones.

Above all, remember that nothing is forever. With any emptiness you might feel, remind yourselves of the words of Abraham Lincoln, "This too shall pass."