Health aNd Fitness Guide

Eating a balanced diet and staying active are key to beating post-holiday blues, say mental health experts. The holiday season is fraught with triggers for depression thanks to eating, drinking and spending too much. You can avoid post-holiday letdown in a number of ways:

1. Eat a balanced diet, which results in more energy and an improved sense of wellbeing.
2. Cut back on caffeine if you are having trouble sleeping and cut back on the festive cocktails.
3. Go for a walk. Physical activity, even a workout indoors, helps you lose weight and improves your mood.
4. Sharing your troubles with someone can be a relief, and they may be able to offer another perspective that could help you.

The symptoms of depression include a persistent, sad or “empty” mood; sleeping too little or too much; weight loss or weight gain; loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities; restlessness; difficulty concentrating; tiredness; and thoughts of death or suicide.