Hello bbcookie. First, as I wrote to Tim and LizLou about anticipatory anxiety, it is important to know that feeling down after having a fun time is normal, and this feeling usually decreases as one gets back into the swing of things. Second, you have already given yourself the answer on how to improve your mood: anticipation. Setting up events that you can look forward to, and engaging yourself in activities that give you a sense of pleasure or accomplishment can help to balance negative moods!
I want to thank everyone for their great questions and comments over the past month. I also want to thank Reader's Digest for inviting me to moderate this discussion. Even though I am signing off as of today, I do hope you keep the conversation going amongst yourselves!
Sincerely,
Dr. Simon Rego
What can I do about post holiday let down? I get so depressed this time of year. My husband wants to take the tree down but I don't, as I know it will only make me sink further into my post holiday sadness.
Every year the anticipation of the holidays keeps me going. When its over, I get so incredibly sad and it takes me months to get out of it.
I know i will lose it emotionally when the tree comes down and am dreading it. Thankfully its artifical so I don't have to rush to do it.
Help!
Hello Tim and LizLou. It is natural to feel an increase in stress when returning to work after some time off. In fact, this is a very common experience that is felt by most people! It is important to recognize that feeling this anticipatory anxiety is normal after a break in a routine, and usually decreases as one gets back into the swing of things. It can be helpful to break the big tasks (e.g., 200 emails) into several smaller tasks, and also to give yourself permission to not to have to get it all done right away. Identify priorities, create a plan, and then take things in small steps!
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