As the holiday season fades away and Chicago’s skyline becomes a silhouette against the crisp winter sky, a palpable shift in mood can be felt throughout the City. The post-holiday period often ushers in what many call the ‘post-holiday blues,’ a time when the festive excitement has ended and the stark reality of a Chicago winter sets in. It may feel dark and dreary outside, but there are numerous ways to brighten your mental health after the holidays have passed.
Understanding Post-Holiday Blues
Research suggests that the post-holiday blues are not a myth. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that decorations and lights often boost emotional connectivity and joy. When they disappear, it’s natural to miss the warmth and communal spirit they represent. Moreover, shorter days and less sunlight can affect our circadian rhythms, as per the National Sleep Foundation, which can impact mood and energy levels.
Tips for Mental Health Wellness After the Holidays
Here are several actionable strategies to help keep your spirits high and your outlook hopeful during these post-holiday winter months:
Embrace the Light
With fewer daylight hours, make a conscious effort to soak up the sun whenever possible. Light therapy lamps can also be a great investment to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months.
Boost Your Mood with Outdoor Activity
Embrace the crisp Chicago air and stunning winter scenery for mental and physical wellness. A brisk walk on the Lakefront Trail or ice skating at Millennium Park not only releases endorphins but also improves emotional health. Cold days can lead to heartwarming moments of well-being.
Connect with Community
Social support is crucial. Join a local club, attend a community event, or volunteer. Volunteering, in particular, can increase your sense of purpose and counteract feelings of loneliness, according to Mayo Clinic Health System. To find volunteer opportunities throughout the Chicagoland area, check out the Volunteer Match website.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or guided meditation can help you stay present and reduce anxiety about the past or future.
Seek Professional Help
If you can’t seem to shake the winter blues, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy can support you to identify strategies to cope with seasonal mood changes.
By integrating these practices into your post-holiday routine, you can turn the ‘bluest’ moments into opportunities for growth and joy. Keep your sights set on the transformation that each season brings, and soon enough, Chicago’s spring will be just around the corner, ready to breathe new life and color into the world once again.
If you’d like some extra support this winter, contact us today to schedule a time to meet with one of our therapists. We’re here for you and we’d love to help.
Nicolle Osequeda, LMFT, is the founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, specializing in anxiety, depression, and relationship counseling in Chicago. As a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator, she incorporates Dr. Brené Brown’s research into her therapy. Nicolle holds a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco and is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Illinois and California. She is a Clinical Fellow of AAMFT, a member of IAMFT, and the Financial Therapy Association. Nicolle has Gottman Method training and has taught at DePaul University, dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve meaningful change. 
