By: Dr. Eric Recker
Christmas is over. New Year’s is over. We have officially settled into the longest stretch we have without a scheduled break.
It’s a long time until Memorial Day, and if you live in a place like Iowa—where it is ridiculously cold and often cloudy in January—this is where the walls can start to feel like they are closing in.
Feeling depressed yet?
When the Post-Holiday Slump Hits Hard
There is a better way. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) hits hard for many this time of year. The adrenaline from traveling, preparation for Christmas, and the stress of winter driving conditions all catch up at once. Add in the family member who is abrasive and can’t help but bring up politics.
- Did you give the perfect gifts?
- Did everyone feel welcome if you hosted?
- Maybe you stayed up waaaaaay too late on New Year’s and just can’t shake it.
The struggle is real.
Feeling Stuck in the Same Cycle
Maybe you are trying the same things you have tried for years and getting the same results you have always gotten—and you feel stuck. Maybe you are short on hope as you stare down a year that looks strangely similar to all the rest.
- Maybe you know you need a change, but can’t put your finger on it.
- Maybe you just need a little zest in your life.
It is this way—but it doesn’t have to stay this way.
How to Thrive in January and February
Here are a few ways to switch things up and thrive during the hardest months of the year.
Always Have Something on the Calendar
This is such a basic thing, but it is incredibly powerful. My wife and I traveled to Utah for three weeks in September/October, and I came home dragging my butt on the ground. We had nothing to look forward to on the calendar.
We talked and booked our next trip—and I snapped out of the funk almost immediately.
Anticipation is powerful.
- Plan a trip.
- Plan a dinner out.
- Plan a coffee date.
- Plan a family outing to the local ice cream shop.
It doesn’t have to be a big thing. Try this rule: never end an experience without having the next one on the calendar.
Find Ways to Be Quiet
I mean quiet.
- Meditation.
- Breathing techniques.
- Journaling.
- Walking without music.
Our brains need white space to think, and we aren’t very good at giving it to them. Ask yourself: How can I incorporate 15 minutes of quiet into today? Your brain will thank you.
Call It What It Is
If you are struggling, say it out loud. Tell a trusted friend, a coach, or a therapist.
Things that stay in the dark have power. When we name them, the power goes away. Don’t keep it to yourself. We can’t keep fighting silent battles and expect to thrive.
Practice Gratitude
Write down three—or ten—or a hundred—things you are thankful for. Science says that gratitude and anxiety cannot exist in the same space. If your head is spinning, take it somewhere else and reframe with gratitude.
You Are Not Alone
Whatever you do to endure this time of year, keep your head up. There are lots of reasons for hope.
- You are never alone. Don’t believe that lie.
- You are never too far gone. Don’t believe that lie either.
I used to struggle with this for years—trying the same things over and over again with no change. Then I raised my hand to a coach, felt heard, and got strategies to move forward.
If that is you, I am available to talk.
Until then, get some anticipation in your life—and make this the most wonderful time of your year.
