What Causes A Post-Holiday Slump?

Do you ever feel like that slump-y feeling after the New Year when you are heading back to work? Don't worry, you aren't alone. And according to Bustle, there is science behind this feeling.

"If you feel low, fatigued and incapable of getting out of bed in the post-holiday period, you're not alone. "Post-holiday slump" is a real phenomenon, and it's got an interesting psychological explanation: it's based on the chemical comedown from the 'high' that is the holiday season."

It comes down to chemicals also known as dopamine. Dopamine is something that signals the brain with happiness, excitement and those kinds of good feelings. Like if you are looking forward to a concert or something, you feel good and you are happy. 

And pretty sure you felt this during Christmas time and the New Year festivities with your friends and family. But once January officially hits, that means it's time to head back to business which means back to work which almost none of us look forward to hence the "down" feelings. 

"When the exciting season is over and you're back to a regular routine, the resulting lower dopamine levels can lead to a mood crash. "Low levels of dopamine are linked to reduced motivation and decreased enthusiasm for things that would excite most people," Healthline wrote."

There you go, reduced motivation which explains a lot!