The holiday season will be coming to an end next week, and as the New Year starts, many people seem to find themselves in a funk. If you are in an area where the weather is bad, you may be experiencing cold weather, making it hard for you to want to get out of your house. You also may be feeling down since all of the excitement over the holidays has ended. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to help avoid the ever-so-common post season blues.

Count Your Blessings

It sounds cliché, but thinking about the things you are thankful for can really help brighten your mood. You likely have many things in life you are thankful for, such as your family, friends, and health. Focusing on these things can help you remember how blessed you are, which can help improve your mood.

Have a Plan

Another thing that can help is making a plan for after the holidays. Plan some activities you can look forward to. It doesn't have to be much, it just has to be enough to get you out of the house every once in a while. For example, ask your friends if they would like to set up a time to catch a movie next month. Book a massage at your nearest spa for a time where you anticipate you will be feeling the blues. Let your spouse or family know you often battle with these post season blues, so they can be a proactive part of keeping you cheerful.

Make Sure It's Nothing Serious

The post-holiday blues are common, but there is something known as Seasonal Affective Disorder that can be a bit more serious. It generally affects people during the winter months. Its causes are unknown, but experts think it could be a combination of a lack of Vitamin D from not getting sun exposure, being cooped up inside because of the weather, and dealing with the many illnesses that are common during the winter months. If you find your winter blues go beyond feeling down a little bit from time to time, then you may want to seek professional help.

Laugh

Laughing is an amazing thing. It releases endorphins in your body, which help make you feel happier. What's interesting about laughing is your brain can't tell whether you are genuinely laughing or just pretending to laugh. Have you ever started fake laughing at something to find yourself genuinely laughing moments later? It's no coincidence. Use this information to your advantage. Try to smile and laugh more, even if you don't feel like it. You may be surprised how much it boosts your mood. If you have a hard time finding the inspiration, then try renting a comedy or reading a humorous book.

Focus on Others

Often, focusing on others can help give you some real perspective. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or offer to help out a neighbor in need. Doing these little acts of kindness not only helps the community, it can make you happier as well.

Take Care of Yourself

Your physical health and your mental health are more closely linked than you may realize. Therefore, you should make sure to take good care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet and exercise when you can. Not only can this help with mental health, you can help keep your immune system in good shape, which can keep you from getting sick.

Dealing with the blues that come from the end of the holiday season can be rough, but hopefully these things can help you. Remember, if you feel this is a battle you cannot overcome on your own, please seek help to keep it from becoming worse.