DIVAS: How to beat the post-holiday blues

Well, that was Christmas … now what? Ever had the post-holiday blues?

I think it's natural to feel let down after Christmas. We plan for months to make a special day for our loved ones and by the time we join the celebration - poof! It's over. If you're feeling a bit empty inside it may be because your spirit wasn't as stuffed as your stockings. But there's time to fix that. Study after study shows the best way to beat the blues is to be productive and help other people. Here are some ideas to help you celebrate Christmas all week and end the year feeling great!

Start a holiday journal to use each year from now on. Write a review of this holiday season. Note your menus and family traditions. Write about what worked, what didn't and what you'd like to do differently next year. Keep it handy as you think of ideas throughout the year.

Practice self care. Take a walk, get outside and move your body. Plan some healthy meals to counteract the cookies. Make vegetable soup or a winter salad. Extra points if you cook with family and friends.

Go to your closet and find a warm piece of clothing you seldom wear. Take it to a church or charity where it will be given to someone who needs it. You can also pick up some socks and toilet paper to donate, too.

Feed your creative soul. Write a short story or make a piece of jewelry, knit, draw, paint, or photograph.

Think of someone who has been a positive influence in your life. Call or write a letter to let them know you're thankful to have them in your life.

Get a pad of sticky notes and a pen and write a bunch of encouraging notes. Write things like "You're beautiful" and "You are important". As you go about your day leave the notes where they will be found by strangers. Never underestimate the value of encouragement.

Look for opportunities to give compliments. Tell someone they're doing a good job or their children are well behaved.

Plan something to look forward to in January. Plan a party, take a class, see a movie, plan a hike, have a pedicure, or arrange lunch with a friend.

Sing real loud and smile at strangers, but perhaps not at the same time.

Give yourself time to readjust to life after the rush of the holidays. It's okay to watch "Elf" one more time, however if you find yourself still feeling blue in a few weeks, please see your doctor. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a serious thing and help is available.

While Christmas may be over, there is still time for lots more celebrating. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes:

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas." - Calvin Coolidge

All of us at Divas On A Dime continue to wish you a lovely Holiday Season.

Frugal Festivity contributed by Patti Diamond from Divas On A Dime – Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! www.divasonadime.com Join us on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom.