I don’t know about you, but I certainly feel like I have a Christmas hangover. There are multiple types of Christmas hangovers. Here are just a few:

1. Financial Hangover – This is probably the most popular. I know I used to get caught up in this trap myself. So many people are givers in this world. It is almost impossible to control themselves when you get to a time of year like this when it is what you are “supposed” to do. Even people that have been so good all year and have pinched every penny possible fall victim to the Holidays. Unfortunately, this is one time your good nature towards others can land you in hot water. Solution: What is done…is done. There is absolutely no reason to beat yourself up over what you cannot change. Just let it go. Sit down and look at the numbers and put a plan in place to pay it off. Then, put a plan in place to make sure you do not get yourself in the same situation next year.
2. Party Hangover – Whew! Party time is almost over. Even for the craziest party animals this time of year has to be tough. It seems like there are two to three parties every weekend. Company parties, Networking parties, Friends parties, Kids parties, and on and on. Every time you turn around there is another party to go to on your calendar. This can also contribute to your financial hangover because you usually have to bring gifts or food to each of those parties. Or, you may be the one giving a party which can also contribute to Hangover number one. Solution: Try to limit your partying. It is okay to say no. If you keep going at full throttle, you are not really doing anyone any favors. Be selective about the party’s you decide to go to.
3. Kid Hangover – For those of you with children in regular school, they are home from school for two weeks. It may be nice the first couple of days, but then the weather usually does not cooperate in December. The kids are cooped up for a couple of days, they start climbing the walls and the next thing you know, you are pulling your hair out! Solution: See about fun and free (or inexpensive) activities in your area. I know we had an indoor pool open here in our town, look into swim lessons. How fun is that in December? Maybe go for walks or bike rides on the nature trails in your area. Look into city run programs. Keeping those kids busy and their mind active will help everyone stay sane.
4. Holiday’s are over Hangover – I get really bummed out when the holidays are over. I love this time of year so much. We all have so much to look forward to. I have my birthday thrown in there as well. So, when it is all over, it can be a little depressing. Your calendar goes from full to normal (which may not be so full), the activities at school slow down, the kids go back to school, the weather turns frightful, you get the picture. It’s all just a little on the depressing side come January because all we really have to look forward to then is taxes. :0) Solution: Stop and think about all you are really thankful for at this time of year. Does it really have to stay in December? Don’t just wait for the holidays to spend time with distant friends and family. Start looking at what you plan on doing for spring break or your family summer vacation. Think about all you are going to accomplish in the next year and put a plan in place. There is so much good stuff!
5. Going back to the Gym Hangover – Now, I had a really good excuse for not going to the gym for over two weeks…I had the flu. And, anyone that has experienced this current flu knows it knocks you on your butt for a few weeks. I went back to the gym last night and did a BodyPump class and seriously thought my husband was going to have to carry me out of the gym my legs were shaking so bad after the squat track. But, it takes something like the flu to keep me out of the gym. I know that not everyone is quite as inspired as I am. Many people start to slack off when the weather starts to turn. January is when they try to get back in the saddle again. Solution: Look at exercise as a year round event. Build it into your calendar no matter what is going on in your life or what the weather man says. This needs to be a staple in your life, just like eating and bathing. To me, the gym is non-negotiable (unless very ill). That is my sanity time when I get to clear my brain and take out any and all aggressions from the day. If you try to find the time, I bet you find it.

Happy New Year to everyone!