Why do I Feel Hungover After the Holidays?

What’s an Emotional Holiday Hangover?

• Holiday Stress
  • The holiday season, while positive and exciting, can also be stressful. There is so much pressure to meet expectations, whether they relate to family gatherings, gift-giving, or social events. The stress associated with these expectations can contribute to emotional exhaustion.

• Financial Strain
  • The expenses associated with participating in holiday plans can lead to financial stress. For some, work slows down and income around the holidays is lower. Concerns about money and debt can linger into the post-holiday period. This then affecting one’s emotional well-being.

• Family Dynamics
  • Spending extended time with family during the holidays can be both rewarding and challenging. Conflicts or unresolved issues within families may surface. This then contributes to emotional strain that continues after the holidays.

• Loneliness
  • Not everyone has the opportunity to spend the holidays with loved ones. This can be due to work obligations, distance, or difficult relationships. Feelings of loneliness or isolation during the holiday season can persist afterward.

• Unmet Expectations
  • Sometimes, people have high expectations for the holiday season. Hoping for Instagram-worthy picture perfect moments and flawless celebrations. Reality can take a turn: guests can no-show, turkey’s get burnt, someone didn’t like their gift. When reality falls short of our dream expectations, it can lead to disappointment.

    

• Fatigue
  • The holiday season often involves a hectic schedule with travel, parties, and late nights. Physical and emotional fatigue can pile on. This can leave people feeling drained and exhausted. The exhaustion stays even after the holidays have passed.

• Reflecting on the Past Year
  • The end of the year is a natural time for reflection. We often head into the New Year thinking about how this last one went. People may evaluate their achievements, losses, and experiences over the past year. This can trigger a range of emotions, from gratitude to disappointment and regret.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
  • In the US, the holiday season coincides with the winter months, which can contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. this is a type of depression related to seasonal change. Reduced sunlight and colder weather can negatively affect mood and energy levels in those experiencing SAD.

• Post-Holiday Letdown
  • Returning to regular routines and responsibilities can feel like a huge bummer. This contrast can contribute to a sense of letdown or emptiness.

Signs That You’re Experiencing the Holiday Hangover

• Fatigue
  • Sign: You feel as if you’ve run a marathon, but you’ve only been coordinating family dinners and wrapping gifts.
  • Symptom: Drained energy levels, both physical and emotional.

• Irritability
  • Sign: Suddenly, the cheerful carolers on your street sound like a herd of elephants.
  • Symptom: Decreased tolerance for bad vibes, people, noise, minor inconveniences.

• Emotional Rollercoaster
  • Sign: Your emotions are on a wild ride – one moment you’re chill, the next you’re feeling down and unmotivated.
  • Symptom: Swinging between highs of holiday joy and lows of post-celebration blues.

• Social Withdrawal
  • Sign: The thought of facing another social gathering makes you want to retreat.
  • Symptom: The desire for solitude, a break from socializing, and an overwhelming need for “me time.”

 

 

Practical Tools to Cope with Your Holiday Hangover

• Self-Compassion
  • Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel this way, and you are not alone in the experience. The holidays can be emotionally taxing, and acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward recovery. Tell yourself, “It’s ok to not be ok right now.”

• Establish Boundaries
  • Reflect on the past holiday season and identify stressors. Work on setting clear boundaries for the next year that allow you to prioritize your well-being amidst the festivities.

• Engage in Self-Care
  • Treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care. Whether it’s a long hot shower, a good book, or a Netflix binge, find activities that bring you comfort and relaxation.

• Reflect and Set Intentions
  • Take a moment to reflect on the past year. What worked well, and what could be improved? Set realistic intentions for the upcoming year, focusing on your emotional well-being.

• Connect with Loved Ones
  • Reach out to friends or family members for support. If you are up to it, share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This will allow you to be comforted by those who care about you. If you’re not ready to open up, just chat about what interests you. The positive connection feels great and the distraction from your worries will help you feel a bit better too.

• Create a Calming Corner
  • Designate a specific space in your home as your calming corner. Think of it as a personal decompression zone. It could be a cozy spot on the sofa with soft pillows, or your bed with a weighted blanket. Get crazy- add calming scents, soothing twinkle lights, or a candle – make it a place your excited to go to unwind and center yourself.

• Find Humor in the Chaos
  • Humor is a powerful antidote. Find the funny side of holiday chaos and share a laugh with others. We can choose to chuckle over wearing an ugly Christmas sweater to a fancy gathering. Laughter can be a great stress reliever.

• Plan Mini-Getaways
  • Schedule mini-getaways to break up the blah routine and provide moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Go to a new coffee shop, try an interesting restaurant in the city next door, spend the weekend at the beach.

    

• • Sometimes we just can’t shake off the holiday blues. Feeling stuck despite all your self-care efforts? Check out the assistance of a professional to gain some perspective and strategies specific to your individual needs.