For some people, the New Year isn’t a fresh start as much as it is a time of sadness.
伊利诺斯州内珀维尔的心理学家玛格丽特·韦伦伯格说:“假期是如此美好的时光，有如此多的事情要做，而在新年里，一切都突然结束了。”“这会对你的情绪产生深远的影响。”
Peopleprone to depression– including many with arthritis – may need a doctor’s help. But if you just feel post-holiday gloom, try these strategies.
Relive Memories
Frame holiday photos or wear the new sweater from your sister. “Taking time to appreciate the best-loved holiday memories will help offset sadness,” says psychologist Deborah Serani, PhD, in Smithtown, New York. A 2014 study in Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience found that people who were sad experienced improved mood when recalling happy memories.
Rest
During the excitement of the holidays, your body may produce extra cortisol and adrenaline,stress hormonesthat also lift your mood and energy. “By the time the holidays are over, all that cortisol and adrenaline leaves you feeling burned out, irritable and just plain cranky,” explains Serani. Go to bed early, indulge in a nap or take a day off to refuel.
Make Plans
After a season of socializing, the house might seem too quiet in the New Year. “The abrupt absence of activity can be depressing,” Wehrenberg says. Making plans to have coffee or see a movie with a friend gives you something to look forward to.
Get Moving
You don’t have toresolve to run a 5K, but prioritizing exercise is essential for beating the blues. Many studies have shownexercise can improve mood, even for people with arthritis or depression.
Show Gratitude
“Research says that anattitude of gratitudemakes you happier and healthier,” Wehrenberg says. Expressing gratitude can reduce depressive symptoms, increase happiness and healthy behaviors and may improve physical health. She advises writing down three things you’re grateful for every day.
Author: JODI HELMER
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