When you’re planning an event, there’s a natural buildup of excitement; you could be making preparations and frequently talking to people about what’s to come. So, once the event has been and gone, it can be quite deflating and you may notice a change in your mood; you might feel exhausted, more irritable than usual or you may feel like you’ve lost your purpose.
After Christmas, going ‘back to reality’ can be tough. From taking down the decorations to returning to work, there are lots of reminders that the festive season is well and truly over.
Of course, this doesn’t just apply to Christmas. You can feel this way following any celebration or plans that you were looking forward to, like a wedding, a party or a graduation. Generally, the more you were looking forward to a plan and the more time you invested in preparations, the worse the crash can be afterwards.
Although it’s always going to be disappointing when something you were looking forward to is over, there are ways that you can manage the post-event blues.
Reflect on the positives
Rather than dwell on your disappointment that the event is over, try to shift your focus and think about the positives. For example, did you start a new tradition, spend time with loved ones or achieve something that you’re proud of? Looking back through photographs and reminiscing with people can help you to appreciate the event and move forward in a positive way.
Learn from the experience
Did anything not go as planned or were there any surprises on the day? Following an event, reflecting on what went well and what didn’t can teach you valuable lessons about how to go about something next time. Perhaps you threw a party and there wasn’t enough seating, or perhaps you spent a long time worrying about things that you didn’t need to. Just make sure that you balance the negatives with positives and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Make future plans
Having things to look forward to will make it easier to let go and move on in a new direction. Making fresh plans can give you a renewed sense of excitement, motivation and purpose. You might choose to do something similar to your last event, or something completely different. Just make sure that you take some time to rest between the two so that you don’t burn out.
Practice self-care
Planning and preparing for a big event can use up a lot of energy, so it’s important to make time for yourself to rest and recuperate. This could look like getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy meals and exercising. It could also be an activity that allows us to pause and unwind, like meditation or breathing exercises. Anything that prioritises and supports our wellbeing is a form of self-care.
Reach out to your support network
If you’re struggling with feelings of sadness or disappointment, it can help to tell your friends and family how you’re feeling. Talking can help you to feel less alone; there’s a good feeling that comes from getting something out into the open and being listened to. It can also help you to process your thoughts and emotions, which can help you to move on.
If you find that you can’t get past feelings of sadness, you might want to consider talking therapy. At ieso, we offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for a range of mental health issues, including depression. Try free typed therapy here.
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