Ten Ways to Get Your Groove Back After the Holidays

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful" - The Rev. Norman Vincent Peale

The joy - and stress of Christmas is over. The office parties, family gatherings and gift giving will soon be a distant memory. The holidays give us time to pause and remember the things that are important in life. Keep the traditions with which we are familiar. We love making merry and hate to see it end.

But the demands and expectations, the rushing to get things done have taken their toll. You're left feeling exhausted and burned out from all that magic and joy. And perhaps a little regretful.

Maybe you ate too much and gained a few pounds. Maybe you spent too much even though you had a strict budget. Maybe it's just the quiet of winter. Some people experience serious mood changes when the season is over. Tiredness, fatigue, depression and irritability. Or just the blues.

It's safe to say that after expending so much energy over the last few months, your body needs down time to recharge and rejuvenate. You need outlets that help you reduce stress as well as stay positive and upbeat.

It's easier to lift your spirits when you have something to look forward to. The activities you choose to get involved in for stress relief should afford you a sense of overall wellbeing. Practicing deep breathing, affirmations, meditation, visualization and progressive relaxation (BAM VP) top the list for emotional balance.

Plan some low energy activities over the next few days that you enjoy doing. For example:

1. Get out and enjoy nature - fresh air and sunshine are terrific mood boosters.
2. See the show you missed during the holidays.
3. Meet a good friend(s) for lunch and share holiday trials and triumphs.
4. Rent a funny movie and get a good laugh. Laughter is another great mood booster.
5. Listen to music that makes you nostalgic. Puts you in a good mood.
6. Replace negative thinking - the "why does everything happen to me" thoughts - with self-affirming talk (I deserve to be happy and healthy!).
7. Interact with a child, laugh and let your "inner child" come out to play.
8. Spend the day enjoying a favorite hobby. Create something with your hands.
9. Take that Christmas gift certificate and buy something just for you.
10. Get a full body massage. An excellent way to feel pampered, invigorate the body and increase those feel good endorphins.

Taking time out to take care of you is a form of self-therapy that eases the tensions from the joy and stress of the season. Pleasurable outlets that help you reduce stress are vital when you need to beat the holiday blues and get your groove back. As for those few extra pounds. Well that's what New Year's Resolutions are for.