Thursday

"I am not afraid to be seen trying"

Welcome to Thursday! Today, we're chatting about:

• What are the post-holiday blues?

• Tips to cope with the post-holiday blues

• Skip the stress of planning daily meals

• What is winter fatigue?

What are the Post-Holiday Blues?

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be exhilarating, but what happens when the celebrations end? Enter the “post-holiday blues”—a temporary period of sadness, stress, or anxiety that many experience after the festivities fade.

The holidays often bring heightened emotions, whether joy from reconnecting with loved ones or stress from hectic schedules. When the adrenaline wears off, it’s normal to feel a bit off-balance. Common signs include feeling unmotivated, irritable, or even overwhelmed by financial or personal reflections.

So, how can you shake off these seasonal slumps? Start by focusing on self-care. Ease back into routines with a manageable to-do list, make time for activities you enjoy, and prioritize rest. Staying active, spending time outdoors, and connecting with friends or family can also help re-energize your spirits.

It’s also helpful to have something to look forward to—a dinner with friends, a hobby project, or even a cozy weekend at home. Planning small, joyful moments can counteract the emptiness left behind by the holiday excitement.

Remember, post-holiday blues are typically short-lived. But if these feelings linger or intensify, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talking to a friend, journaling, or consulting a mental health professional can make a big difference.

The holidays may be over, but the opportunity to nurture yourself and find joy in daily life is just beginning.

How You Can Cope With the Post-Holiday Blues

The holidays are a whirlwind of joy, connection, and celebration, but when they end, many of us feel a sense of emptiness. The transition back to daily routines can leave us yearning for the excitement and warmth of the season. Here are some tips to keep your spirits high:

1. Reconnect with Loved Ones
   The end of the holidays doesn’t mean you have to lose touch. Call a friend or family member and share a laugh or a story. Genuine connection can instantly lift your mood.

2. Get Moving
   Exercise isn’t just good for your body—it’s a proven mood booster. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a yoga session, getting active can help shake off the blues.

3. Create New Rituals
   Missing the festive vibe? Start a new tradition, like weekly movie nights or trying a new recipe each weekend. It gives you something fun to look forward to.

4. Focus on the Future
   Instead of dwelling on what’s over, think about what’s ahead. Set a small, exciting goal for the coming weeks, like planning a day trip or learning a new skill.

5. Embrace Nature
   Stepping outside, even for a short stroll, can do wonders. Fresh air and natural light are simple but effective mood enhancers.

The post-holiday blues are normal, but with a few small changes, you can reclaim your joy and step into the new year with positivity.

You Get Asked What’s For Dinner 365 Times a Year...

What if you didn’t have to face the nightly stress of deciding what to eat anymore? Meal planning reduces those 365 decisions to only 52 if you plan weekly, or just 12 if you plan monthly. That’s a massive time and energy savings!

Streamline your meal planning process and turn that daily stress into a simple routine with Plan to Eat. Our tools make it easy to plan ahead, save time, and know exactly what’s for dinner - so you can spend less time deciding and more time enjoying meals with the ones you love.

Readers can start a free 14-day trial of Plan to Eat and banish nightly dinner decisions for good!

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Thank you to Plan to Eat for sponsoring Note To Self. 

What is Winter Fatigue?

Ever feel like the cold months zap your energy? Winter fatigue, a common phenomenon, might be the culprit. This seasonal slump is tied to shorter days, less sunlight, and a drop in outdoor activity—all of which can throw your body’s rhythm out of sync.

During winter, reduced daylight prompts your body to produce more melatonin, the hormone that makes you sleepy. Coupled with lower vitamin D levels from less sunlight, it’s no wonder you feel sluggish. Add in chilly weather that keeps us indoors and less active, and the result is often lower energy levels and dampened moods.

Winter fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired; it can affect your overall well-being. However, there are simple ways to fight back. Try stepping outside during daylight hours to soak up the sun or investing in a light therapy box. Staying active, even in the cold, can do wonders—layer up and head out! Scheduling fun or mastery activities, like learning a new skill, can also keep your spirits high.

Don’t forget self-care basics: stick to a consistent sleep routine and limit screen time in favor of real-world connections. If your symptoms feel more intense or persist year after year, it could be seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A professional can help you navigate that.

Winter fatigue is common, but with mindful habits, you can reclaim your energy and embrace the season. After all, winter is just a chapter, not the whole story!

Parting Thoughts

• ✅ Did You Know:  A majority of Americans (51%) say it takes them weeks to destress after the holiday season. It may take time, but know that you're not alone if you're feeling post-holiday stress.

• 🙋🏼‍♀️ Snapshot Of The Day: We'd love to see moments from our readers lives that they are proud of! If you recently accomplished an achievement, experienced a joyful moment, or are proud of a picture you have taken, be sure to capture it on camera and send it to us for a chance to be featured next week! 

• 💭 Final Self-Care Thoughts for Today: Whether you're feeling tired or down from the holiday season wrapping up, tap into self-care to give yourself a boost.

Enjoying Note to Self?

Know of a great self-care tip or article you'd love to share with the community? Want to send us pictures of you completing one of your self-care rituals? Email us at [email protected]!