Are you feeling the anti-climax of the start of a new year? You are not alone. The "January Blues" (or winter blues) is a real phenomenon, a rather common mood slump after the rush and excitement of the December holidays and festivities, less light, etc. It can be a symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a more serious form of depression linked to shorter days, requiring professional help. I take a doctor-prescribed Vitamin D supplement as I don't get enough sunlight (get tested)! 

So, what are the causes of January Blues, besides the more obvious post-holiday festivities/activities and less light (5 mins more already today compared to December 22!):

1.  There is the prospect of returning to the routines of work and the more ‘normal’ daily grind after some time off.
2.  December can be a big spending month. Most retailers make all their profits in that one month alone, consumers get their credit card bills in January.
3.  Unrealistic New Year's resolutions. Can you really lose 20 pounds in a few weeks? Dream big, yes, but don’t torture yourself either!
4. Social pressures are what we feel others expect of us, while forgetting that most are much more focused on themselves.
5. Being alone: However, it can be outstanding for reflection, planning, relaxing, and recharging. Reaching out to someone anywhere in the world is easy and cheap these days: sometimes a simple call with an old friend, colleague, family member, neighbor, etc can shift moods instantly and place things into perspective.

The way we perceive our circumstances and what they really are are often extremely different. Seek help if you cannot see the big picture. Go for a walk. Do a workout. Visit a park, museum, or art gallery? Sit on a bench and observe nature? Look at beautiful real estate around the globe, maybe in a place you had always dreamed of (works for me!)? And if you want an instant cure for depression, consider doing some volunteer work for those (or someone) less fortunate, maybe an elderly neighbor? Even slipping a $5 bill to someone on the street might help you see your own good fortune and the big picture?