Many people get the post-holiday blues. Psychologists even have a fancy name for it: post-reinforcement pause.

What this really means is going back to normal life after lots of good stuff. It happens often after the holidays, after good vacations and after "mountain top" experiences, when you have to come back and live in the valleys. It might help you to think of it as a holiday hangover.

The first thing to understand is what you are feeling is normal, which means you probably have not been hit with a sneak attack of depression. And since it is normal, the next thing to understand is that this feeling will pass in a few days or weeks, if not before.

While you are waiting, there are at least three things you can do. First, dive into whatever you do on a daily basis, whether it's raising kids, working outside the home or playing. Getting very involved in what you are doing helps time pass quickly, and it also allows you to create enjoyable times and good memories.

Next, have a few post-holiday get-togethers or parties. Since not much happens in January, it's good to have a few celebrations planned just to have some fun. Hold a party on the 25th and call it "a month-after party."

Finally, start planning your next holiday season now. Plan a few events or activities and put them on the calendar. This lets you know there is more celebration and memories coming, and gives you something to look forward to, which we all need.

Jeff Herring

Jeff is a marriage and family therapist, singles and relationship coach, mentor coach, speaker, syndicated relationship columnist and author.

Jeff has a full time private practice in Tallahassee in which he specializes in couples, teen and parent counseling. He also is a relationship coach specializing in working with couples and singles. Some of his professional activities include:

==> Internationally syndicated relationship columnist through Knight-Ridder/Tribune Media Services, with a weekly readership of over 10 million worldwide

==> Sought after speaker for organizations, associations, churches, and corporations

==>Twice weekly appearances on The Steve and Sara Show on Magic 107.1

==> Author of "Keep the Changes: 52 Tools for Successful Living" a collection of his best columns, as well as several e-books including "How to Create a Passionate and Loving Relationship.........Forever," "How to Beat the BOZOs: Dealing with difficult people without becoming one," and "Tame Your Teen: THE survival guide for parenting your teenager.

==> Founder and CEO of TheArticleGuy.com

==> Founder and CEO of SecretsofGreatRelationships.com

==> Founder and CEO of ParentingYourTeeanger.com

==> Founder and CEO of ToolsforSuccessfulLiving.com

==> President of BuildingYourIdealPractice.com

==> President of ConsciousDatingTallahassee.com

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