The days leading to Christmas, holidays, and celebrations are exciting, frenetic times. They’re a whirl of parties and social engagements, gifts and food to be purchased, and travel arranged. The rush to get things organised builds into a great festive crescendo then…well, it’s over.
If you’ve ever awoken on New Year’s Day feeling a tad flat, you’re not alone. Don’t beat yourself up; the Post-Christmas Blues is a well-documented condition.
After the sparkle and colour of festivity, the hamster-wheel banality of real life seems pale and unappealing.
Worse, the weather is hot, the kids are bored and fractious, and taking decorations down is never as much fun as putting them up.
Then the bills arrive.
The despondency you’re feeling is real, in fact, in a 2015 study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (a US based mental health organisation), two-thirds (64%) of people surveyed admitted to feelings of depression and anxiety after Christmas.
Symptoms include fatigue, tension, frustration, sadness and a sense of loss. If you’re nodding while reading this, the good news is there are steps you can take to reduce the physical, emotional and financial impact of the Post-Christmas Blues.
Here are some ideas.
Exercise – exercise every day, even a walk around the block, and if you have people staying over get up early and take time out for yourself.
Get plenty of sleep – stick to a normal bedtime routine and ensure you don’t burn yourself out.
Eat and drink in moderation – it’s not called the silly season for nothing. Moderation means enjoying yourself without overdoing it. Maybe try these two simple guidelines:
Gift buying and holiday arranging is exciting, and it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve spent.
We have 12 months of lead time so planning ahead is your best strategy.
Consider these ideas:
If your credit card has taken a beating over the holiday season, speak to your adviser about a debt reduction plan. They’ll help you get back on track, and then structure a budget for the next year.
The December/January period can be difficult for many reasons. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed, don’t soldier on. Organisations like Lifeline Australia (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 22 46 36) are only a phone call away.
Alternatively, if it’s a relaxing chat you’re looking for, why not ask a friend over for coffee? It may be just what they need too.
The information contained on this website has been provided as general advice only. The contents have been prepared without taking account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before you make any decision regarding any information, strategies or products mentioned on this website, consult your own financial adviser to consider whether that is appropriate having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.