I don't know about everyone else, but I feel quite deflated after Christmas. Getting back into the work routine, handling school runs and dinner money, and dealing with the terrible weather... Bidding farewell to chocolate and crisps for at least a month to stick to the diet, and giving up alcohol for Dry January.
Yet, there's a glimmer of hope as the house is cleared of tinsel and the presents are stored away, bringing some relief that a new year has begun with new opportunities ahead. This year marks a significant birthday for me, which I plan to celebrate over at least six months. It's also one of my daughter's 18th birthday, and we have a major holiday planned for the year's end, giving us a lot to look forward to. So why do I feel SAD?
I believe that experiencing SAD is not only due to the gloomy, wet, and cold weather or the lengthy, dark evenings and nights. It is also affected by menopause symptoms, which can be heightened by saying goodbye to family members who live far away and who you don't see often enough. Furthermore, feelings of loneliness can emerge after a busy time of year, particularly if you have no family to celebrate the festive season with, leading to feelings of loss and missing out on those experiences. Anxiety about facing the coming year, especially if there are significant changes ahead, and confronting the unknown. Also, dealing with the reality of weight gain after going through the festive period with an 'Oh well, it is Christmas' mindset, knowing that you didn't really need that second mince pie...
However, this is a New Year. I don't believe in New Year's resolutions, as I typically stick to them for about a week before forgetting (I can't blame it on brain fog since I've always done this!).
I'm making a promise to myself to be kinder. I'll spend time doing things I've wanted to do but have put off. I've started yoga, sorted out family time while setting aside one day a month just for me, booked a girls' holiday with my amazing tribe of friends, and enrolled in a couple of courses I've wanted to take for a long time. And that's just the beginning... What can you do for yourself to support your well-being and mental health moving forward into 2025 ?