Feeling post-Christmas exhaustion? You’re not alone. 70% of Americans say they’re fatigued by Christmas, according to the American Psychological Association. By the time January rolls in, post-Christmas fatigue can make you feel so tired, you wish you could hibernate like a bear. So what causes post Christmas fatigue? 

Christmas fatigue is the trauma your body experiences from Christmas hormones and over-eating. Yes, I said trauma. Christmas hormones and over-eating has traumatized your body in ways you never thought it could. And Christmas hormones happen to women and men.

So what are these Christmas hormones? During the Christmas season your levels of serotonin and dopamine soar. These hormones make you feel happy or good. At the same time, stress and low blood sugar release high levels of cortisol. Cortisol increases blood sugar, suppresses your immune system, and helps metabolize fat. Wonder why you always seem to come down with a cold at Christmas or right after New Years Day?

This potent mix of Christmas hormones – serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol – wrecks havoc on your body and mind. Stress makes you want a quick contentment fix. Food and alcohol are perfect as quick pick-me-uppers to deal with stress. But if you eat irregularly, grab quick bites, or overeat and drink, your body suffers from frequent blood sugar highs and lows. Not to mention the added pounds and alcohol induced arguments.

By the time Boxing Day is over, you’ve been at the mercy of these Christmas hormones for weeks. Suddenly your body finds that the stress and anxiety is over, or at least less than what it was before. That’s when fatigue sets in and you feel like sleeping all day. New Years Eve provides Christmas hormones one last hourah. My advice? Listen to what your body is telling you. Rest properly, eat healthier, and be gentle with yourself.