Now that the new year is well and truly upon us, with the happy jingles fading into echoes in our memories – a sense of terrible sluggishness and nonchalance may be creeping up on you. It’s an actual condition, known as the Post-Holiday Blues, and symptoms include dragging of feet, a general malaise and disinterest in things, and feeling bluesy.
This may extend to your resolutions to be healthy in 2017, which isn’t a good start at all! We’re here with this post to help you snap out of your post-holiday stupor and get back on track to make 2017 your year in health and wellness. These 7 little things you can easily incorporate into your daily routine will help stave off the post-holiday blues and help rev you up to face the new year with a smile. Bring it on, we say!
1) Get lots of sunshine and fresh air
Sunlight is scientifically proven to be a mood-booster, as exposure to sunlight releases serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happy and helps you feel calmed and focused. Apparently, 30 minutes of sunshine outdoors is all you need each day to stimulate the secretion of serotonin. Being outdoors and breathing in fresh air also helps to lift your spirits, as there is just something liberating and uplifting about being surrounded by greenery and wide open skies.
2) Sleep and wake up the same time every day
Resist the urge to call in sick the day after the holidays for that lie-in. While it sounds positively weird to try to sleep and wake up at the same time each day throughout the festive period when there’re all those parties to attend, we really urge you to keep your sleep and wake routine as close to normal as humanly possible. It’ll make the transition back to a regular work-week less jarring and easier to adjust to.
3) Hit the gym
Do it, sister! Put on those work out threads and haul yourself out of the door and to the gym (or out for a jog or a swim). Start the year on the right note by NOT giving in to a plethora of excuses for not exercising. Plus, the endorphin boost from the exercise will jolt you out of your mopey slump and put you on the fast-track to a great start to the new year!
4) Pack up
With days of frantic gift wrapping and getting ready for those festive gatherings and cooking up a storm in the kitchen for loved ones, your house may be quite unrecognisable. Shove aside the urge to just heap everything into a pile and leave it all for the arrival of Chinese New Year to spring clean. Get off the couch and pack. Reorganising your home into some semblance of order will have a positive effect on your mood, as you will feel like you are in control of your life instead of feeling lost.
5) Snack on nuts
Put those Christmas snack gifts to good use! Snack on nuts to lift your spirits, literally. Not only will you feel smug AF about being disciplined enough to choose such a healthy snack that are high in protein, fibre and good fats – nuts are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are a mood-boosting compound. Here’s a tip: walnuts have one of the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids, among its nut brethren.
6) Take things slow
This may sound counter-intuitive, but don’t hit the ground totally running. Plan to clear emails and give yourself time to prepare for important meetings or to write reports. Don’t commit to high-stakes tasks the first couple of days back at work. Set yourself up for success by easing yourself back. You’ll feel more accomplished when you get those simpler tasks first and less stressed about returning to the grind.
7) Treat yourself
Last of all, be nice to yourself! Indulge in a special treat the first day back at work after the festivities, such as a seasonal coffee instead of the 3-in-1 coffee from the office pantry. Or have a nice relaxed lunch with your colleagues instead of the usual mad-dash to the nearby coffeeshop or office canteen. Or book a relaxing treatment complete with massage and steam bath with us at Cheryl W after work! Our Festive Promo is a real treat – 10 sessions at only $388, so why not treat yourself today? 🙂
It’s a brand new year, ladies! Here’s to new beginnings!