Simple tips to deal with post-festival blues after your long Diwali break
Emotion regulation is the key.
You’re back after spending the long festive weekend with your loved ones, attending one soiree after another, indulging in sweets, and hoping the week never ends. But after the highs, comes the lows. After the festivities, comes normalcy. Post-festival blues is a thing.
Why do you feel the post-festival blues after long holidays?
A disruption in routine: Festivals disrupt your routine and the return to normal can be challenging especially when the long holidays give you a temporary escape from everyday stressors and make you feel comfortable. Going back to how life was, can be problematic.
Stop comparing: Constantly checking other people's updates on social media and comparing with them can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. If someone has an extended vacation or posts about all their high points during the festival even after it is over, it can make you feel FOMO.
So, to begin with, limit your social media exposure and avoid comparing. Focus on your unique experiences and connections. Think about how your Diwali was special; it is more important than anything else.
Ease back in: Try to not jump back into your routine the very next day after a long break. Start by incorporating small things that help you get back to normal. For instance, take an extra leave after all the celebrations and spend the day organising, lazing, or even planning for the next day. Maybe check your emails to get a head start. And whenever you get some free time, catch up with your friends and family so you don’t miss them too much.
It’s also a good time to check and re-evaluate your schedule and balance out responsibilities. If you’ve noticed that you’re overworking, you can choose to do things differently. Furthermore, rest and self-care are important. Just because you had a long festive holiday doesn’t mean you need to burn yourself out in the next few weeks.
Inputs by Sherene Aftab, founder of Serene Hour Counselling & Career Advice Consultancy, Mehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai
