Post Holiday Recovery: Taking Care of Yourself After the Fesitivities

Understanding post holiday fatigue

So, what exactly is post-holiday fatigue? Think of it as a mental and emotional hangover. For weeks, we’ve been juggling a chaotic mix of obligations: family gatherings, gift exchanges, travel plans, and maybe a little too much eggnog. Even if the holidays were joyful, they can still drain your energy reserves.

For those of us with ADHD or anxiety (or both, because life loves to double down), the chaos of disrupted routines and heightened sensory input can feel like running a mental marathon. The noise, the lights, the people—all of it can overload your system. Add in the internalized pressure to make everything “perfect,” and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.

It’s important to realize that this fatigue isn’t a personal failing. You’re not lazy or ungrateful. Your brain and body need time to recalibrate after all that stimulation. Recognizing this is the first step toward giving yourself permission to recover.

5 tips for post holiday recovery

1. Embrace the Quiet
   Find time to unplug and enjoy silence. Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb,” binge-watch something mindless, or just sit in your favorite spot with a cup of coffee (or tea, if you’re feeling fancy). Let your brain reset from all the holiday noise.

2. Reestablish Routines
   Holidays tend to throw our routines into a blender. Start small—set a consistent wake-up time, plan your meals for the week, or reintroduce a bedtime ritual. Routines are grounding and give your brain the structure it craves.

3. Nourish Your Body
   You don’t have to go on a detox spree or punish yourself with kale smoothies (unless you like those, in which case, more power to you). Focus on eating foods that make you feel good and give you sustained energy. And don’t forget to hydrate—you probably drank more festive beverages than water over the holidays.

4. Move, But Gently
   Physical activity can help shake off the post-holiday fog, but there’s no need to go full-on gym warrior. A walk around the block, some gentle yoga, or even dancing around your living room to your favorite songs counts. Movement doesn’t have to be a chore—it can be fun.

5. Be Okay with Saying No
   If someone invites you to yet another gathering or asks for a favor you’re too wiped to handle, it’s okay to say no. Protecting your time and energy is self-care, not selfishness. You’re not obligated to run yourself ragged for others.

recognizing signs you need support

Sometimes, post-holiday fatigue can be more than just a temporary slump. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like the exhaustion isn’t lifting, it might be time to check in with yourself or even reach out for support. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Persistent low mood that doesn’t seem to improve, even after rest.
• Difficulty focusing or completing tasks, beyond the usual ADHD scatterbrain moments.
• Increased anxiety or feelings of dread that don’t have an obvious source.
• Withdrawal from friends or activities you usually enjoy.
• Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach issues, or fatigue that won’t go away.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s talking to a friend, seeing a therapist, or just being honest with yourself about needing a little extra TLC, seeking support is a sign of strength—not weakness.

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