As the dust settles on Christmas and new year celebrations, reality is set to come crashing down on many like a tonne of bricks.
But although the thought of going back to work may be hard to stomach after the festive season, getting your daily routine back on track may be easier than you think.
FEMAIL spoke with a group of experts who revealed their best tips on how you can avoid the post-holiday blues and kick off 2018 in a positive frame of mind.
FEMAIL spoke with a group of experts who revealed their best tips on how you can avoid the post-holiday blues (stock image) and kick off 2018 in a positive frame of mind
PLAN YOUR NEXT HOLIDAY
Having something else to look forward to is crucial when trying to offset negative emotions after a holiday, Australian clinical director at MindMovers Psychology, Jaimie Bloch, told FEMAIL.
‘Research into how we experience pleasure and joy has found that the anticipation of something can elicit similar levels of positive emotions as the actual experience of a pleasurable activity, such as a holiday,’ she said.
‘This means that the experience of a pleasurable holiday and the anticipation of that holiday evoke the same neurobiological joy.’
Whack out your diary and get some plans in place.
![Having something else to look forward to is crucial when trying to offset negative emotions after a holiday, psychologist Jaimie Bloch (pictured) said](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/01/02/01/47AFF46700000578-5226963-Having_something_else_to_look_forward_to_is_crucial_when_trying_-a-2_1514854864946.jpg)
Having something else to look forward to is crucial when trying to offset negative emotions after a holiday, psychologist Jaimie Bloch (pictured) said
!['Research shows the anticipation of something can elicit similar levels of positive emotions as the actual experience of a pleasurable activity, such as a holiday,' Ms Bloch said (stock image)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/01/02/00/47B0058400000578-5226963-image-a-12_1514853581655.jpg)
‘Research shows the anticipation of something can elicit similar levels of positive emotions as the actual experience of a pleasurable activity, such as a holiday,’ Ms Bloch said (stock image)
BE SOCIABLE
While you may feel like wallowing in self-pity on the couch after a holiday, the next step to beat the post-holiday comedown is to engage in social activities.
Melbourne-based developmental psychologist, Stephanie Lau, said keeping busy will help take your mind off the negative feelings associated with going back to work.
‘Coming back to reality often leads to a drop in mood, so it’s important to ensure you have social activities to look forward to,’ the expert behind The Holiday Psychologist said.
‘Hanging out with people you haven’t seen in a while or partaking in enjoyable hobbies are things that can keep you busy so you don’t have to dwell on the reality of going back to work.’
![Melbourne-based developmental psychologist, Stephanie Lau (pictured), said keeping busy will help take your mind off the negative feelings associated with going back to work](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/01/02/00/47AFF45F00000578-5226963-image-a-16_1514853690130.jpg)
Melbourne-based developmental psychologist, Stephanie Lau (pictured), said keeping busy will help take your mind off the negative feelings associated with going back to work
RESTORE EXERCISE AND SLEEP ROUTINES
Heading back to the gym and restoring your regular sleeping pattern will help speed up the post-holiday re-adjustment phase, Ms Lau said.
She added: ‘Sleep gives the body a chance to repair and regain energy for the rush of daily and social life.’
Ms Lau emphasised the importance of exercise, pointing to a strong correlation between physical and emotional well-being.
‘[You should] exercise to complement that physical health as well, so you have the energy to do the things you need to get back into the routine.’
![Heading back to the gym and restoring your regular sleeping pattern will help speed up the post-holiday re-adjustment phase (stock image)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/01/02/00/47B0058800000578-5226963-image-a-13_1514853646271.jpg)
Heading back to the gym and restoring your regular sleeping pattern will help speed up the post-holiday re-adjustment phase (stock image)
LEARN ACCEPTANCE
‘Be kind to yourself, it is normal to feel down after holidays,’ Ms Bloch said.
‘When we come back to our everyday routine after having this period to recharge, we may feel a bit deflated as things have not changed and we are coming back to old habits and behaviours that we may be wanting space from.
‘Be aware that nothing happens instantly. We all have good days and bad days, having compassion for yourself can help you bounce back quicker.’
Ms Bloch added that unrealistic expectations and a lack of acceptance can lead to further negative thoughts that will hinder the start of your year.
PUT AWAY THE BOTTLE
Keeping clear of alcohol is a crucial dietary step when trying to beat an emotional slump, practising dietitian from EllaWell Diabetes Prevention Management, Geraldine Georgeou, told FEMAIL.
‘You get used to drinking while in holiday mode, so be careful because it could form a habit and you may start to think you need to drink to have fun,’ she said.
‘Alcohol can have a depressant effect, so you might find that you are actually adding to your post-holiday blues – especially if you are drinking on your own.’
![Keeping clear of alcohol is a crucial dietary step when trying to beat an emotional slump, practising dietitian Geraldine Georgeou (pictured) said](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/01/02/00/47AFF46300000578-5226963-image-a-17_1514853747605.jpg)
Keeping clear of alcohol is a crucial dietary step when trying to beat an emotional slump, practising dietitian Geraldine Georgeou (pictured) said
STOCK THE PANTRY
Once you get back from holidays, it’s most likely your pantry and fridge will be looking a little bare.
So be sure to quickly do the shopping and stock up on food, because being ‘hangry’ can be misinterpreted as post-holiday blues, Ms Georgeou said.
She added: ‘Make sure you have something at hand that’s quick and easy.
‘Carbohydrates, fruit or yoghurt will help boost glucose levels in the body, and then nuts or cheese on crackers will help provide sustainable energy throughout the day to make sure you get through with no troughs in mood.’
Ms Georgeou also suggested snacking every three to four hours, especially in the afternoon, to avoid overeating at dinner time.
STAY HYDRATED
Ms Georgeou said hydration has been shown to have an effect on mood, particularly in athletes.
‘A lack of hydration leads to less concentration, less vitality and can definitely give you a flat mood,’ she said.
‘When on holiday, you can get drawn into the habit of missing meals and drinking excess alcohol, so water becomes the last thing you think about.’