Beating the Post-Holiday Blues: A Survival Guide for Moms
Ah, the holidays. The lights, the laughter, the cookies (so many cookies!). But now that the decorations are boxed up and the gift wrap is in the recycling, you might feel…off. Maybe you’re irritable, exhausted, or just plain sad. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Post-holiday depression is real, and for moms, it can hit especially hard.
Let’s talk about why this happens, how to shake it off, and why therapy might just be your secret weapon for making winter your new favorite season.
Signs of Post-Holiday Depression
First, let’s identify the culprit. Post-holiday depression can sneak up on you like a toddler at naptime. Here’s what to watch for:
Low energy: You’re tired but can’t sleep, or you’re sleeping but still exhausted.
Mood swings: One minute, you’re crying over a Hallmark commercial; the next, you’re snapping at your spouse for leaving their socks in the living room (again).
Mom guilt on overdrive: You’re replaying every perceived parenting fail from the holidays. Did you get the right gifts? Were your kids happy? Did they notice you forgot the matching PJs this year?
Feeling stuck: The new year’s resolutions feel like too much pressure, and your to-do list is already overwhelming.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The shorter days and lack of sunlight can amplify feelings of sadness or irritability.
If any of these sound familiar, take a deep breath. This is temporary, and there are ways to feel better.
Self-Care Techniques to Combat Winter Stress
When you’re managing anxiety, mom guilt, or even mom rage, self-care can feel impossible. But taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean booking a spa weekend (though if that’s an option, go for it!). Here are some realistic ways to nurture yourself:
Get outside: Even 10 minutes of daylight can boost your mood and energy levels. Bundle up the kids, head to the park, and let them burn off some cabin fever while you soak in some vitamin D.
Say no (guilt-free!): Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to attend every playdate or moms’ night out. Practice saying, “Thanks for thinking of me, but I’m not able to commit to that right now.”
Move your body: Exercise isn’t about shrinking into your jeans (all bodies are good bodies…go buy bigger jeans). It’s about releasing those feel-good endorphins that fight off stress and low self-esteem. Like I tell my kids: anxiety doesn’t stand a chance against a kitchen dance party.
Connect with your partner: If your marriage felt the strain over the holidays, prioritize some quality time. Even a Netflix-and-chill night can help you reconnect.
Journal it out: Writing about your feelings can help you process them. Try this prompt: “What is one thing I need today, and how can I give it to myself?”
Give yourself grace: The holidays aren’t perfect, and neither are you. Remind yourself that your kids don’t need a flawless mom; they need a loving, present one.
The Role of Therapy in Winter Mental Health
If your stress and sadness linger or feel overwhelming, therapy can be a game-changer. Working with a therapist who specializes in motherhood, trauma, and complicated family dynamics can help you unpack:
The roots of mom guilt: Are you holding yourself to impossible standards?
Anxiety triggers: Learn tools to manage worry before it spirals.
Mom rage: Understand what’s fueling those moments of intense frustration.
Family baggage: Navigate the emotional fallout from emotionally immature parents or unresolved trauma.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you (because you’re not broken). It’s about helping you feel more like yourself—calm, confident, and capable.
Let’s Tackle This Together
You don’t have to face post-holiday blues alone. As a therapist licensed in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Vermont, and Wisconsin, I specialize in helping moms like you navigate anxiety, trauma, and the rollercoaster of motherhood. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you feel more like yourself—the version of you who feels loved, secure, and ready to face whatever winter throws your way.
Ready to take the first step? Schedule a free consultation with me today. Let’s turn this winter into a season of growth, healing, and maybe even joy.
P.S. If you’re reading this while hiding in the pantry with a sleeve of Oreos, I feel you. You’re doing great, mama.