7 Simple Ways to Perk up after the Holidays Are over ...

What better way to take your mind after your blahs than by taking a class? Odds are, you have something you've always wanted to do or learn. Check your local community center or college for free or low cost classes. If nothing else, meeting new people will take your mind off your blues and it's a great way to perk you up after the holidays are over. Try learning a new language, taking dance lessons or picking up some new cooking skills.

For me, it always seems so quiet after a big holiday. It makes me feel a little lonely. The best fix for me is to carve out some special time with friends. You don't need a holiday to spend time with the ones you care about. While you might not be able to get everyone together at once, spending one on one time with your bestie or sister is a great way to perk up. It reminds you you're not alone and gives you a chance to go out and have fun.

Holidays are ideal for taking our minds off of our other problems. Maybe we hate our job or the neighborhood we live in. Maybe it's a bad habit that's driving you crazy. The moment you feel the blues, it's time to change your focus and make a major change in your life. Apply for a new job, move to a new place, take steps to break a bad habit, end a bad relationship or start a new one. You'll focus so much on the change, you'll perk up quickly.

If you're like me, any holiday wreaks havoc on your normal routine. Once you get back into the swing of things, you'll start perking back up. Spend the next few days getting back into your usual routine. There's something satisfying about a routine, especially when you're getting things done. If your routine bores you, set aside a single day to do something random. It gives you something to look forward to.

Volunteering not only helps you give back, but it makes you feel good. It's hard not to smile when you know you're doing something good for others. You don't have to spend every hour volunteering, but set aside a few hours each week. Choose a cause that's close to your heart and your post holiday blues will be gone in no time. Plus, you'll meet new friends. If you're hesitant, ask one of your friends to volunteer with you.

Sometimes I get down simply because I feel like I have nothing to look forward to anymore. The holiday is over. Now what? I've found making a list of things to look forward to helps me quite a bit. From listing when my favorite shows start back up to other holidays, I list everything big and small. It's a great way to perk up and I find myself always looking forward to something.

The holidays are over and now it's back to the same old thing. That doesn't have to be true. You don't have to be the same. Give yourself a make over. Whether it's buying a new outfit in a style you don't typically wear or changing up your hair, do something to change you. You could even focus on an internal make over, such as being more positive or taking charge at work. Changing yourself makes you feel like you have a fresh start which helps perk you up.

Remember, the holidays will be back, so you always have something to look forward to. Don't let post-holiday blues get you down. Make a point of doing something to perk back up. How do you handle the blahs after the holidays end?