The tree is down, the cheery colorful lights are dark, the Christmas treats are gone, and all the special meals have been cooked and eaten. Some people suffer from a feeling of let down or even depression when the holidays are over.
We’re just a week past the typically high energy holiday season. A friend and I were expressing our relief that all of that was finally behind us, and how glad we are to get back to our normal routines. I can see how the end of the holiday season, sliding into the doldrums of winter, might seem boring. What’s to look forward to in the second week of January? It’s a long stretch to Valentine’s Day, the next reason to buy (and eat) chocolate without feeling too guilty. And St Patrick’s Day, (drinking green beer and eating corned beef and cabbage) isn’t universally appealing. Easter is so late this year (April 20) it seems like it’s in another lifetime.
For my friend and me, the post holiday doldrums is the perfect time to take a deep breath and do some life planning. That’s why New Year’s resolutions are such a thing. Even if you, like me, don’t make those anymore, it’s still a good time to sit back and and consider what’s going on in your life. Take time to engage in some intentional fun. Plan to be more diligent in nurturing relationships. Dump the things in your life you know aren’t good for you. Prioritize you physical connection with nature and daylight. Consciously smile more. Don’t worry….be happy!
All of these things take effort. You’ll be better for making it. Now’s the calmest time of the year to tackle positive change.
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