Tips to Beat the Post-Holiday Blues!

Health & Fitness Shopping

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For many of us, the holidays are a time for us to get together with family, eat good food, remember the year gone by, and catch up on all of the classic Christmas TV shows and films. This time of year is often rewarding and enriching, and gives us reminders of what we have to be thankful for, and why we worked so hard all year. Now that the holidays are over, how do you keep the blues at bay as we return to our normal lives? Here are some ideas.

Look Ahead and Not Behind

Last year is done and gone. Whatever happened both great and not so great is for the history books. A new year means a chance to start fresh and work towards your new goals with no encumbrances. Use this new year to institute positive thinking and developing a “can do” attitude. Remember, it’s the small things that add up to make the big things. So, create some small goals for yourself that when you accomplish them, put you on a track for bigger accomplishments. As your successes pile up. it will certainly keep your mood high in the new year.

Keep Shopping

The holiday season is all about gift giving and receiving, and after all of the holiday shopping you’ve done, you might feel shopped out. But before you go back to lie on the couch remember, post-holidays is when you can find the best shopping deals. So now is the time for you to pick up the things that you hoped Santa would bring and didn’t, or to return that sweater you don’t want and get something you do at a great price. But before you hit the streets and wear out you already tired feet, how about visiting a site on the web that brings you all the great deals in one place. Finding the best deals is easy when you use My Voucher Codes. Shop here first and save the most (and your tired feet).

Start an Exercise Program

Exercise helps to work off those many pounds you’ve probably gained during the holidays. This time of year is filled with lowered resistance to foods that we only eat during the holidays, and often promise we will never eat again (until next holiday season that is). So getting in the gym and working out or taking a nice jog in the park is probably a great idea. Also exercise releases endorphins which help to increase your happiness and improve your mood. So, signing up for a gym membership or spin class will not only melt away those excess pounds, but can also help thwart any post-holiday depression.

Spend Fun Time with Your Friends

Many of us went away for the holidays, and have not had a chance, to see close friends or co-workers in a relaxed and fun setting. Use now, to create a get together time with everyone to catch up and reminisce about all of the embarrassing family moments you saw (and sometimes even participated in) over the holidays. This will keep the holiday spirit going a little longer and put everyone in a great mood.

Get into a Work Project You Love

The holidays take up so much time, that you probably have not thought too much about work. How about jumping in first on a project you really want to tackle. Make a list of all your pending work which you could not do during the holidays and if possible prioritize based on what you are most excited to accomplish. This will ease you back into work on a positive note and keep your spirits high as you accomplish something you love.

It is never easy returning to the daily routine after a fun filled holiday break. Holidays always seem to go so quickly and for many, the holidays offer an opportunity to get away from their jobs and spend quality time with family. So it can be depressing for some when it’s time to clock back in at work. Try these tips and ease the post-holiday blues.

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Don’t Let Depression Get the Best of You

Health & Fitness

Has depression been getting the better of you recently? For countless individuals, depression is their biggest opponent on a daily basis. While there are myriad of means to fight depression, not all those efforts prove successful.

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In order to make you one of those successful patients, have you tried various methods to combat that what is making you depressed?

Taking the Fight to Depression

The first step to take in battling depression is realizing you have a battle on your hands.

For some people, they choose to try and sweep depression under the rug, figuring it only happens to other individuals and families. If that’s you, then you need to alter that mindset.

There are various ways to combat depression including:

  1. Medicine – Different products on the market have helped many individuals in their fight with depression. The trick is finding the right medication that best suits your needs. In order to take control of your life once again, work with your doctor and/or psychologist to see what pill or pills are most likely to be effective in assisting you. It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to medication depending on the prescribed pill, dosage etc. If you do take medication to fight depression, make sure you closely follow the instructions from your medical specialist;
  2. Support – One of the best ways to fight depression is having a support system to lean on. Whether it is family, friends or even a trusted co-worker, it just takes that one person (the more the merrier) to listen, offer advice, and be there for you when you need a helping hand. In some cases, those that are depressed feel like the support system they truly need is not there for them, thereby making matters worse. Even if you have limited relations with family, friends or even your co-workers, reach out to someone in those groups when you feel like help is needed. Too often, those who are suffering from depression think no one will listen to their problems. In retrospect, there is always almost an ear or two that will in fact listen, so don’t be afraid to ask for help;
  3. Exercise – You may not think that a simple workout or two can help you in the battle against depression, but you’d be quite surprised. In fact, exercise can help you in several ways. One, it temporarily takes your mind off of that which is depressing you. Secondly, the physical benefits to your body via exercise are numerous. Lastly, exercise can oftentimes be done with one or more people, meaning you have someone to talk to while getting your workout in. Before beginning an exercise program, talk with your doctor or a fitness pro so that you can put together an exercise strategy that not only is good for you physically, but also is achievable, meaning you are less likely to quit;
  4. Diet – How many times have you turned to food when depression has set in? Unfortunately, millions of people do just that. In turn, the depression becomes not only a mental issue, but also literally weighs on someone’s opinion of their physical appearance. If you’re turning to food in order to combat your depression feelings, make a change in your diet starting today. Instead of eating items that are high in calories, turn to more nutritious offerings. Also avoid overloading on food during the typical three meals a day. Instead, eat four or five smaller meals a day, that way you are less inclined to overeat at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Never turn to alcohol or smoking as ways to battle your feelings of depression. Both have negative long-term side effects on one’s health;
  5. Wellness – Finally, do periodic wellness checks on both your mental and physical well-being. Just because you overcame depression this time around does not mean it won’t come back again down the road. If you see a sign or signs of your depression returning, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. You oftentimes know the warning signals, so get the jump on depression before it takes over your life. In the end, you and those in and around your life benefit from a happy and health you.
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