The post-Christmas period can leave many of us mentally depressed. Most of the activities we do during the vacation period can affect us both physically and mentally after the vacation period is over and we may experience mild or deep depression if you are not careful. 

Fortunately, there are many things we can do to revive our spirits, hence improving our mood to better help our mental state. The following steps are ways to combat post-Christmas depression. 

1. Have a plan

Most of the time, depression can creep in because we don't have any plan to look towards to. We only have plans for the holiday season only and we forget that life goes on even after the period is over.

Getting back to our normal daily routine after the season is enough to ease our mood and a great way to change is to have something to watch. 

It all depends on your budget, your expectations and your lifestyle. It could be a little party with friends or a quick trip.

Anything you plan to do after most people shouted “Happy new year.”

The aim is to ensure that the transition from Christmas to the end of the year does not come to an abrupt end.

2.Exercise 

The release of endorphins has been shown to dramatically improve mood. Laughter is an easy way to get the show on the road, and it is recommended for everyone. 

Laughter as an effective mood enhancer can help improve mood and erase traces of depression. Go see comedies, download comedy sketches, the cinema is also a great place to relax by watching comedies big enough to make your ribs crack. Laugh to get rid of depression.

3. Stay active. 

It's hard to find enough motivation to do anything when you're in a bad mood. You practically enjoy the feeling of being at home, away from people. However, this is unhealthy and does more harm than good.

What I would suggest though, is that you get up and be active. You can start with a long walk, learn to play an instrument, join a gym.

 If you want to learn how to fight, you might want to learn karate or Ju Jitsu. You can start slowly by hiking, swimming, or biking. Everything to keep the  blood flowing.

Don't lie there like a zombie. It wouldn't do you any good. Do something. Personally, I want to work my muscles and develop my abs by January.

4. Don't Eat Stress

It might be tempting to sink your teeth into junk food, savor the juicy sweetness and munch on the sweet tastes in your mouth, but it's very unhealthy. 

Maintaining a healthy diet is a very effective way to improve your mood as it helps you stay in shape without side effects.

Foods high in vitamin B and omega3 fatty acids are great options for things that you can eat to improve your mood. Some examples include nuts, grains, and oily fish. You are what you eat.

5. Be Courageous

If you are feeling uninspired and down after the Christmas season, it is imperative that you get out of your comfort zone by taking risks, Risk is what make life interesting

Doing it yourself is enough to improve your mood. Commit to doing at least one thing a week that keeps your pump pump, your blood pumping, and scares you enough to want to do more.

You can start by talking to a stranger or take a ride on the toboggan. Bungee jumping is also a great option; I would always recommend a roller coaster ride.

Just do something that you wouldn't do on a normal day, something that is off the beaten path. It could be because of one of your phobias. Mine was scriptophobia, and I managed to overcome it by learning to write, hence the birth of this blog.

Confronting your fears is a sure-fire way to overcome your fears and put yourself in a good mood.

6. Spice Up Your Life Socially 

Socializing with other people can dramatically improve your mood, but you can't expect to be invited early on in depression.

It's not like there's an alarm clock ringing when you're in a bad mood. This means that you will need to make a personal commitment to help yourself feel better by being proactive.

Call an old friend or relative, visit the park, go to music shows, take a long drive to meet old school friends, meet new people, develop new hobbies. Things like this and more are things you can do to help improve your mood.

7. Practice Altruism 

Most people often focus on their mood, especially when they are depressed. Depression wears them out and they spend more time dwelling on the experience of being depressed than trying to cope. 

A good way to break out of this destructive habit is to focus on other people. It's a great way to distract yourself from being sucked into what may seem like a normal part of your life, but it's not. 

Taking the time to volunteer, visit the orphanage, do something for society, simple acts of kindness ranging from listening to people's ears to solving emotional and physical issues can help to dramatically improve your mood.

It will not only allow you to help people; it also gives you a positive approach to self improvement. 

8. Don't Be Sad 

The gloom that plagues many of us over the holidays and contributes to the post-Christmas mood we experience may be linked to the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) that many of us suffer from.

The SAD light box is a good alternative if you experience a feeling of depression or lethargy, especially during the fall and winter months. The set helps reduce the negative effects caused by natural lights or the harmattan period during this season. 

9. See How You Spend

Eager to celebrate Christmas, most people end up running out of money and then regret how much they spent. 

This is one of the main reasons people endure the post-Christmas blues due to the fact that they didn't expect to be broke due to the fact that they failed to get their finances in order. 

Rather than orchestrating your bad luck, it's not too late to sit down and plan how to spend your money. Exclude what is not essential and go only for what is necessary.

It's best to budget on what you can afford. Don't overload your pockets. Make sure your expenses are within your budget and that everything is going well. 

10. Recognize the Need for Change 

If the thought of going back to your usual routine scares you, it might actually be a good sign. Sometimes most of what we're used to contributes to our blues and the only way to change that is to try something new. 

The thought of returning to work after the holidays can be a bit depressing, but if it causes feelings of extreme sadness, then maybe the need to change jobs is the best option. Even a change of lifestyle, friends or partner. 

Other factors may be involved, consider the factors that are contributing to your feeling of melancholy and think of alternatives to change them. You can't start the New Year feeling like the year before.

Work to be better than you. If you are already happy, strive to be happier. There are no limits to happiness.