Sally Maitland wiped off the red nail polish and scrubbed the glitter out of her hair.

The wreaths are gone, the candy dishes are empty, and the Christmas music no longer plays on the radio.

"I love the holidays," Maitland said. "But it is a letdown when it's all over."

Maitland, who works with her husband at Andy's Island Seafood in Matlacha, isn't alone in feeling a little sad after the parties have ended and real life has returned. Many people have difficulty focusing at work.

"I see more cases of depression in January than any other time of year," said Dr. Gary L. Malone, medical director and chief of behavioral health at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth, Texas.

But there are simple ways to get back into gear emotionally and professionally after throwing out the punch and party favors.

Eating well, exercising and talking about your worries can help get rid of the blues, Malone said.

You can feel better and get more energy by putting down the festive cocktails and getting rid of the sweets, he said.

"What we put into our bodies — the caffeine, sugar, processed foods and alcohol — changes our mood," said Angie Ferguson, wellness columnist for The News-Press. "We have to eat well to fuel our bodies appropriately."

It's important to get moving, Ferguson said, because physical activity helps you lose weight and improves your mood.

Most people don't regret rethinking their professional goals, either, said Deborah Shane, owner of Train with Shane. Shane, who is based in Fort Myers, offers motivational business seminars.

"One of the hardest challenges we all face in our lives is staying motivated," Shane said. "No one's fire burns all the time. We actually need that ebb and flow to distinguish where we are and what we need to do to jump start things."

She suggests getting recharged professionally by connecting with people, taking classes, rethinking your approach and rekindling your inspiration.

Maitland plans to get inspired at Ada's Fitness Center in Cape Coral, Fla., next week after indulging during the holidays. She plans to pick up a healthier pace in 2008.

"I'm going to eat better and exercise," she said. "I'm going to get fit. That will definitely cheer me up."

JOIN OUR DISCUSSION:

So the holidays are put to bed ...