The Post-Holiday Letdown Effect Has Begun

As if butting heads with your MIL wasn't punishment enough . . .

Hello, Popsugar here, with your reminder to do things that make you feel well. Today's newsletter was written and curated by health and fitness section lead Alexis Jones. The Letdown Effect May Be Why You Feel So Crappy After the Holidays I'm not trying to be a grinch or anything — but without fail, every year after Christmas, I've gotten sick as soon as all the holiday festivities have wrapped. And I'm not the only editor to complain!   Just when I've willed myself through a demanding and stressful season of buying gifts, navigating family debates, and finally finding the time to relax, I fall ill. Well, not this time (fingers crossed!). Taking matters into our own hands, we asked the experts whether our post-holiday sickness was just unlucky or if there was more behind the pattern of sickness.    According to doctors, it's called the "letdown effect," a common phenomenon after periods of high stress. Read on to learn about this happiness-busting malady from medical experts, including how to finally mitigate its effects. Read More Start Here If You (Finally) Want to Begin a Meditation Practice The jury is in, and there's nothing quite like meditation to reinstate your sense of peace.  READ MORE → I Booked a "Dopamine Reset" Trip After Feeling Dysregulated — Here's My Honest Take "I was amazed by just how much my nervous system felt like it was at equilibrium." READ MORE → Easing Into the Weekend PS . . . There's More Before you go, here are more stories from Popsugar and beyond that we think you'll appreciate. You can build a stronger, more functional core in just 12 moves! Wait, you mean my gummy supplements are just a placebo?? People are bringing "fibermaxxing" into the new year. Here's what to know.  Rest Stop These days, travel is inexorably linked to wellness, but there is more than one way to travel well. We're exploring how you can wind down, recharge, and reconnect — with yourself and others. Check out all the stories here. PS — click here to read more from us. Did someone forward you this email? Subscribe now to get more from Popsugar Fitness in your inbox.   update preferences | privacy notice | unsubscribe This email was sent to latestnews401.cele@blogger.com.  View online    As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.   Vox Media, 1701 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036. Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.