Post-Holiday Rollercoaster

To be right up front about it, I have been on an emotional rollercoaster since I woke up on the day after Christmas.  I suppose it could be that the joy of holiday togetherness was tempered with the reality that my now-adult children had to leave and go back to their own lives whereas in the past they were around while on winter break from school.  I wonder, though, if I have always had these post-holiday emotions, regardless of who was at home, but was unaware of them because I managed to numb myself by consuming mass quantities of holiday leftovers.  If so, it would alarmingly easier in the near-term to not have to deal with how I am feeling, but I know I would pay dearly for it later when I gained weight yet again.

 

Exercise has helped to moderate the ebb and flow of my emotions these past few days, but it hasn’t been enough for me to avoid worrying that I could easily let myself slip into emotional eating habits again.  Have you struggled with this post-holiday emotional roller coaster?  If so, how have you coped with it?

 

RP

I tend to focus on others during the Holidays - putting my needs last. After Christmas I get a bit selfish and set boundaries with my time and talents. I try to put myself first for a change. This year has been complicated by many things outside my control. Unfortunately a wicked cold  -turned into sinus infection was one of them. Now the round of antibiotics has given me digestive issues (can't win for loosing).

So I change my focus to make it through the emotional times following the Holidays. I take more time time for myself and set realistic boundaries with friends and family. I ask, "What do I need?"

I also give myself permission to PLAY! To have fun with life and to not take everything so seriously. ANd to be frank...drugs help! lol 

Giving myself permission to play is excellent advice. Thank you!!

RP 

OH MY GOSH YES!  You hit it straight on the head, RP.   I'm an emotional wreck today - really.  I'm normally pretty smooth - have worked on emotional health for many years - but today that all fell by the wayside, due to a personal crisis.  What did I think about??? Christmas/holiday party leftovers.  I was clever enough to through a HUGE tray of cookies left at my house yesterday into the trash, but actually gave a passing thought to digging them out.  They are in ziplock bags, but the trash is already taken out - YUCK.  

I think I need to focus like you and Matata said - pay attention, honor my feelings and remember to let them go.  I can/have/will do (done) that, so I know it is possible.  I turned 58 years old today, too.  And believe me, I know how many blessings I have.  Thanks for you post - it helped me today.
Mary

Mary:

First of all...Happy Birthday!  I am glad that I am not the only one who has given a passing thought to digging unhealthy foods out of the trash because they might be salvagable.  Take care and do something fun for your birthday.

RP

Oh RP, I am right there with you! THANK YOU for voicing these feelings, as I believe they are shared by many post-WLS folks here!

Hang in there, hold tight to the relief that exercise provides and stay strong in the support you get from the folks on this board!

Best wishes!
Shannon

Shannon:

Thank you for replying to my post and for being supportive.  It is very much appreciated.

RP

After reading your post and the people who have responded, I notice that you are taking hold of these emotions and hitting them head on.   There is no mention of, I can't do this at all!  You ARE doing it and doing what you need to do!  I love it!    Thanks for this post.....it is giving me some strength!     

Hey RP...keep on truckin...you are heading in the right direction. Me on the other hand....well never mind!!

Hugs...connie d