The holiday decorations are down, the circuit of parties has ended and your work schedule returns to its normal brevity. Gloomy weather, long nights with short days, and regrets about holiday excesses both financial and diet-wise can make January feel like the longest month of the year. The struggle is real, post-holiday blues are a thing. Follow these simple tips to improve your mood, increase your productivity and enhance your ability to stick with your New Year’s goals.

#1 When the weather breaks, so should you
It’s hard to hold onto that initial blast of New Year’s motivation when it’s cold and rainy, the skies are dark in the morning and the gyms are packed. Research proves that sunlight, particularly early morning sunlight, boosts vitamin D production, stimulates your immune system and facilitates hormonal changes associated with more serotonin during the day and melatonin at night. This is a powerful antidote to seasonal depression and can lead to a better mood, better sleep, and more energy. So take a break and get outside!

#2 When the sky is gray, eat color.
Bright colors mean a variety of nutrients. Nutrient-dense = filling, satisfying. Root vegetables, hearty soups and stews with multi-colored peppers and steamed or sautéed greens are warming and satiating during colder weather. Consider getting a produce box and integrating seasonal vegetables into your daily eating patterns to keep your diet fresh and appealing.

#3 Set a goal
Motivation and will power are urban legend. They sound like something easy, as-in “you should just get some”. But the reality is that both are finite and fickle. Being distracted, tired, bored, busy, hungry, sad, anxious, etc. will quickly wear them down. HABIT CHANGE is the goal that sets you up for success. Pick a habit that is so small that you’d have to work to fail at it — it’s a habit that you can maintain even on the busiest days. Once it’s firmly into your routine, you can gradually build on it. Now that’s sustainable health!

#4 Novelty is your friend
Your nervous system thrives when new experiences stimulate adaptation. This learning builds resilience. It might initially seem counterintuitive to the development of habits, but remember that creating the initial good habit is essential to build the space in your life for positive changes. Novelty keeps those changes fresh and effective.

#5 LOOK UP!
Literally, look up. ⬆️ Get off your screens, open your eyes and be present with your environment! Looking upwards as you walk will facilitate the extensors in your spine to help you stand straighter, breathe better, improve your digestion and increase your energy. Your lizard brain might take the cue that life isn’t so scary and alleviate some of the back pain/headache/gut issues, etc that you’re feeling. Add some movement and high-quality food to really rev up your metabolism, and by spring you will be ready to bloom. 🌼

Your post-holiday survival tips