Fighting the Post-Holiday Blues
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If it's not the holiday blues, it's the post-holiday blues. How do we escape them, once the fun, work-free days of Christmas and New Year's are over? The Soul Sister helps deal with the near-inevitable downturn.
Dear Soul Sister
I've had great time away, and now I'm back in real life, totally depressed. Any ideas on what I can do?
Sun-tanned but Sad
Dear Sad
Coming back to a gloomy, grey London after spending glorious, sunny days in far-flung places, it's hard not to be hit by what feels like a case of the permanent 'Monday Blues'. But most of us need to shape up sharpish, since our work environments won't wait.
There are a few ways to help yourself, if you know you're prone to this problem:
If this does not ease you back into real life, perhaps it is time to look at your life. It might even help to talk to someone impartial and have some ideas of where you want to be next - and in the years to come. A brief course of therapy might put you in touch with a happier, more satisfied you - one who actually enjoys coming back from holiday.
To submit a question, email soulsister@hereisthecity.com. Unfortunately, she can't answer all questions or enter into correspondence.
I've had great time away, and now I'm back in real life, totally depressed. Any ideas on what I can do?
Sun-tanned but Sad
Dear Sad
Coming back to a gloomy, grey London after spending glorious, sunny days in far-flung places, it's hard not to be hit by what feels like a case of the permanent 'Monday Blues'. But most of us need to shape up sharpish, since our work environments won't wait.
There are a few ways to help yourself, if you know you're prone to this problem:
- Come back two days earlier so you don't have jet lag plus the blues to knock you on your first day back.
- Get some exercise, meditate or even sit under a sun lamp (not the tanning kind) to help medicate the effects.
- Plan ahead so your return is easier rather than harder. Schedule a meeting you're looking forward to before one you're dreading, and do a bit of advance work so your first day back is less demanding.
- Surround yourself with comforts that remind you of the advantages of being here, not there. See your friends, plan cultural evenings out, enjoy comfort foods. Things you can't get on that beach!
- Remind yourself of the good things you have in your life, rather than yearning for what's there. And maybe that includes planning another holiday for a few months' time.
- Take care of yourself. Eat sensibly and get some good sleep to reset your body clock. Have a drink, but remember that alcohol does not induce a good, deep sleep - it just makes you sleepy (big difference).
If this does not ease you back into real life, perhaps it is time to look at your life. It might even help to talk to someone impartial and have some ideas of where you want to be next - and in the years to come. A brief course of therapy might put you in touch with a happier, more satisfied you - one who actually enjoys coming back from holiday.
To submit a question, email soulsister@hereisthecity.com. Unfortunately, she can't answer all questions or enter into correspondence.
Here Is The Writer : Annegret O'Dwyer
Annegret O'Dwyer is a psychotherapist who has had a practise in Harley Street for 10 years, and recently opened one in Southbank. She is accredited and licensed by the UKCP (United Kingdom Council of Psychotherapy) and the EAP (European Association of Psychotherapists). Her favourite book is How to be Happy by the Dalai Lama, and The Right to Speak by Patsy Rodenburg, and she likes spending her evenings at the cinema or theatre.
www.annegretodwyer.co.uk
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