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Letter from 
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With the holidays over, do you feel a little empty inside? The first several weeks after the holidays are relatively quiet and calm ~ the opposite of the frenzied activity of November and December. Short January days and long cold nights don't help matters, nor does reviewing your finances and bills after the New Year. This is the time of year that doctors call the post-holiday depression season.
Some people see the New Year as a time to analyze their failures and thus work themselves into a good bout of depression. Others are just stressed from dealing with their families and friends for too long (along with the mandated good cheer) and need time to fully recover. And just about everybody crashes badly from mass consumption of goodies and alcohol.
Overspending can be another reason for post-holiday blues. Experts say that most people should set a limit for themselves, but the reality is that most of us don't. Those who do, often sail through that limit weeks before the big day and keep right on spending.
Post holiday letdown can knock anyone off their track, especially if the holidays don't always meet our expectations. It's that letdown "Gosh, is that all there is?" feeling. Not to mention that it may be the only time of year you see your family and for some people that can be particularly distressing or sad.
It is surprising to know how common this annual depression is and how many good tips are out there to help people deal with it!
• Normalize your routine. During these weeks it's important to catch up on any needed rest. Don't feel guilty about needing a little R&R. People can confuse tiredness with sadness, and question the value of their holiday efforts.
• Emphasize the positive memories. Quietly accept any disappointments that may have occurred. Remember the moments of love and sharing that you experienced or witnessed. These moments can nourish you through these post-holiday weeks and even through the year ahead.
• Gather up the photos you shot at your holiday gatherings and spend some cold winter nights putting together a holiday album. Scrapbooking notes about the funny things that happened or were said will make the memories last.
• Take time to write thank you notes to friends and family who sent gifts or who provided you with a cheerful visit or call. Let them know how much you love their gift, enjoyed being with them or how much you appreciated hearing from them.
• Look ahead to next year. Start thinking about ways of making the next holiday season better. Think of ways to enhance old traditions and start new ones.
• Start budgeting NOW for this year so you won't be caught in the same trap of credit card bills and overspending. Start a 'Holiday Account' at your bank or credit union.
• Watch your diet. All the partying brings an overindulgence of sugar, alcohol, fats, etc. Now is the time to get your body back on track. Drink more water. Consume more fiber and less protein. Try adding a natural B complex vitamin to your daily diet.
• Exercise! Bundle up and get outside, even if just for a short time. Fresh air and exercise can improve your mood. Take a daily walk or join a fitness class or gym.
• Volunteer. Part of what we love about the holidays is the feeling of goodwill. Spread it throughout the year by volunteering.
• Start planning a summer vacation! Think WARM...
Some of these tips may be helpful to you, however, if you find yourself still feeling blue, see your family doctor or contact a local mental health association. If you are a Wright & Filippis employee you can call TEAM at 1-800-448-TEAM.
The holidays may be over but that's no reason to be sad. Joy, laughter, charity, goodwill, friends and family all exist throughout the year. The spirit of the holidays can live in us always, not just in November and December.