After weeks of so much abundance – food, people, activities, bright lights – the post-holiday weeks can seem empty and dark. The stark contrast can create an internal conflict: Feelings of loss from missing loved ones and the warmth and joy of the holidays competes with a sense of relief that the chaos is over.

This post-holiday slump can interfere with the transition back to the routines and comforts of your everyday life, making it vital to prioritize your mental well-being. Here are five practical tips to help you ease into the new year with a clear mind and a renewed sense of purpose.

1. Realize this sense of “loss” is simply you transitioning from high levels of activity to less stimulation. This “letdown” also likely occurs as you transition from other milestones in your life, like finishing a big project, but may seem more magnified following the holiday season.
2. Connect with people. After the social buzz of holiday events and full households a sense of loneliness can creep in. Reach out to friends or family in person, or on the phone. Don’t just rely on texting; if someone doesn’t answer their phone, text them to let them know that you need to hear their voice for just a few minutes. This can also be an ideal time to join a local group with shared interests, or to take a class to enlarge your social circle.
3. Re-establish (or establish) your routine. Holiday activities are great routine disrupters, and re-establishing structure can provide you with a sense of stability and predictability that can help reduce anxiety and boost your productivity. This includes reconnecting with healthy habits that may have fallen by the wayside. Get back to healthy eating, exercise, and sufficient sleep.
4. Get away from your four walls as part of your self-care routine. Experiencing Mother Nature through planned physical activity or taking a quick walk can raise your energy level. Other important self-care pieces to help nurture your mental health include reading, journaling, meditating, or creating time for a scented soak in the bathtub.
5. Look forward with intention. Focus on one thing that you would like to see happen in your life this year. If you’re goal-oriented, set one or two small, attainable goals and create a doable plan for reaching them. You can always move on to other goals once you’ve accomplished those, but you don’t want to overwhelm yourself and then fight potential feelings of failure.

Finally, remember that employees enrolled in a Transocean medical plan can take advantage of benefits that include several mental health and wellness resources, from in-person and virtual visits with a behavioral health therapist, to expert sessions and exercises through Calm. All Transocean employees can take advantage of the Employee Assistance Program through Live and Work Well (access code: RIG).

By taking one step at a time, you can start to see your way through and view the new year with feelings of optimism and opportunity.