How to beat post-project blues?

May 9, 2007 9:32 AM

What do you do to shake the "Post Project" blues?

I just finished my 2nd semester 2nd year law exams. I'm having trouble 'downshifting' from exam level stress to normal life. Like many folks, I get this way after a big "project" ends. I'm generally bummed out and putting a negative spin on life.

So, what do you do to shake the post-project blues?

posted by BeerGrin to Human Relations (4 answers total)

For me travelling helps. It gives me a new perspective on things, and keeps me occupied until the tension disappears on its own. Doesn't have to be far.
posted by Harald74 at 9:38 AM on May 9, 2007

Best answer: It's beautiful outside. Go smell the roses.
posted by caddis at 9:45 AM on May 9, 2007

This happens to me a lot. With personal projects, I've found that managing the level of energy going in helps me avoid an enthusiasm crash when the project (or just a big milestone of the project) wraps up.

Shifting focus, like Greg Nog mentions, can help with the shaking—finding an outlet for your energy and enthusiasm, either to keep it up or just to let it wind down more gently on a secondary project, might help.

And definitely with the roses. Look around and purposefully reacquaint yourself with some of the things that get neglected when you're on a high cycle.
posted by cortex at 10:04 AM on May 9, 2007

After finals every semester I spend a couple days doing completely mindless, entertaining things--typically watching my favorite funny movies (Animal House, Old School, Anchorman, Zoolander, etc.) and playing mindless video games (Grand Theft Auto, Halo, Madden, etc.). No movies that have convoluted plots or games that involve a lot of thinking. This is the only time of the year I allow myself these indulgences, and after a few days of this I get really sick of it and fall back to my normal, non-finals routine. I also find that engaging in athletic activities that have gone neglected for the last month or so helps as well.
posted by jtfowl0 at 11:29 AM on May 9, 2007