Beating the winter blues: Overcoming ‘Blue Monday’ and the post-holiday slump

This article was written by our partners at Vita Health

The festive season is often filled with excitement and joyous celebrations. However, once the decorations are packed away and the cheer fades away, many people find themselves facing a challenging time. The period after the holidays, particularly January, can feel like a real slog.

Why do we feel down after the holidays?

Its common to feel a sense of loss after the holiday period ends - there aren’t any parties to look forward to, reunions with family members are now months away, and many keenly feel financial pressure after overspending on gifts, food, and activities.

In addition, the winter weather can make it harder to get outside or stay active, contributing to low energy and a lack of motivation. The shorter days and lack of sunlight can disrupt your sleep patterns and affect the production of serotonin, the chemical in your brain responsible for regulating mood, leading to feelings of sadness or anxiety.