Once the tree is taken down, the decorations are put away, and the cookies are eaten, it's back to work and school for many of us. It's easy to feel a little bit blue after all of the dust has settled. Here's a few things you can do when the sad sets in.
1. Exercise
New year's resolution aside, exercise, in whatever form, can make you feel better when you're down in the dumps. While it might not be everyone's ideal picture of fun, you will probably thank yourself once it's done.
2. Try a new recipe
If you're a foodie and you love to bake or cook, trying a new recipe out might lift your spirits. It's an enjoyable and rewarding activity that will (hopefully) bring you something delicious.
3. Rearrange or redecorate
Everyone could benefit from a change every once in a while. To avoid feeling stuck, simply rearrange your furniture or add a new decoration here and there to feel some positive change coming your way.
4. Listen to music
Sometimes when you are feeling down, the best thing you can do is blast some happy tunes and dance along.
5. Clean up your space
Cleaning up can help you feel a bit more calm and less overwhelmed and give you an overall happier and more relaxing space to be in.
6. Hang out with friends and family
Just because the holidays are over, that doesn't mean there's no time for fun and games. Make sure to carve out some time for yourself so you can do fun things with your friends and family that will help keep your spirits up.
7. Shopping
Now that Christmas is over, it's okay, you can give yourself a gift too. Haven't you ever heard of retail therapy?
8. DIY Crafts
Find some time to scroll on Pinterest and choose a cool craft to try. This can be a fun and relaxing way to cheer yourself up and use your creativity.
9. A cup of coffee
Sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee to let your inspiration spark up with new motivation and ideas. It can be a great boost when you are feeling down. Tea and other drinks can work too. Bonus: You can take a fun trip to a cute little coffee shop.
10. Journaling
Journaling can be beneficial and used in a few different ways. You could try creative journaling to let your imagination run wild or you could use this space to write down and reflect on your feelings.
11. Planning things to look forward to
If everyone could take a beach vacation in the middle of January that sure would be nice but unfortunately it's not that easy. Luckily, we all have the ability to plan and look forward to things, whether it is summer vacation, a visit with friends, a concert, or anything in between.
12. Counseling
In all seriousness, this time of year can be a hard one for many people, so don't be afraid to reach out and get help if you need it. Sometimes you need more than a cup of coffee and a trip to the gym to feel okay and that is perfectly okay.