January blues can affect all of us. Christmas is over, it’s so cold outside, and your social media feed is crammed of selfies of people in the gym. Or pictures of the healthy food your social media friends are now committed to. And perhaps, you’re still sitting in your pyjamas at lunchtime, still feeling the effects of over-indulging during the festive period. That is the January blues.
January can be an overwhelming and depressing month. It can be difficult to get through, but here are the best ways to beat the January blues.
1. Set Realistic Goals For The New Year
One of the problems that many people have in January is New Year’s Resolutions. We’re all full of good intentions, and promise big changes in the coming year, but when those changes aren’t fulfilled, we can become despondent.
Instead of making unrealistic New Year’s Resolutions, try beating the January blues by setting achievable goals. Try setting goals like going for a twenty-minute walk once a week, instead of running a marathon. If you set an achievable goal, it’s easier to keep yourself motivated as you meet them.
2. Set Aside Time For Self-Care
We know that self-care is important, but it’s a good idea to make it a priority in January. Spending some time alone and taking care of yourself will help you to recharge, and de-stress. Go for a walk, read a book, have a bath and use some of the gift sets you got at Christmas. Whatever it is that you do to stay calm, do it. Enjoy it and prioritise yourself.
3. Take Up A New Hobby
The new year is a perfect time to consider trying a new hobby that you’ve always wanted to do, or even just been curious about. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming. A lot of great hobbies can be done from the comfort of your home during this cold January month, including:
- Drawing or painting
- Breadmaking or cooking new recipes
- Bullet journaling
- Crochet, embroidery or knitting
- Mental puzzle games such as crosswords or Sudoku
- Jewellery making
- Listening to podcasts
- Meditation
- Origami
- Scrapbooking
4. Get Plenty of Daylight and Sleep
With the winter months being darker, this can have a big impact on your mood. Take advantage of the opportunity to get some daylight by going for a walk or sitting near a sun-facing window. You could consider taking vitamin D supplements if you feel that your sun time is lacking, as they may help to provide you with that extra boost. Also, remember to get the sleep that your body needs after the hectic month of December; you’ve earned it!
5. De-Clutter Your Home
Now that December has gone, there’s almost certainly more stuff in your home now than there was before. All these new things need a space, so it’s a good reason to clear out and de-clutter. De-cluttering your home can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Take it in bite-sized pieces – room by room, or wardrobe by wardrobe. You could donate your old belongings, or if they’re in good condition, you might want to think about selling them online.
6. Spend Time With Your Friends
A great way to beat the January blues is to spend time with your friends. You could meet up for a coffee, grab lunch together, or plan a night in. A fun evening in doesn’t cost the earth, and it could be just what you need to chase the January clouds away.
7. Get Outside
It sounds like a cliche, but getting outside or going for a walk really is a great way to clear out the cobwebs. You can end up feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for whatever January brings.
8. Watch A Movie
If you have a partner, a date night at the cinema can help you reconnect after a busy December. You could even plan a date night at home, in the comfort of your own living room. If you’re single, call a friend and watch a new film, or an old favourite.
9. Read A Book
Social media often only helps to increase the feeling of the January blues. It can seem like everyone is out living their best life, and you can end up feeling a little insecure and like you’re being left behind. Instead, turn your phone off and read a book. You’ll get the same sense of escapism that social media can give you, but without the negative feelings that come with it.
10. Add Some Mood Boosting Foods Into Your Diet
Trying to overhaul your entire diet is probably not going to be successful but adding a few mood boosting foods into your diet can help you overcome the January blues. Try adding in a few portions per week of things like wholegrains, nuts, oily fish, or flaxseeds.
