BEATING THE JANUARY BLUES
OUR TOP TIPS
This time of year can often feel quite difficult. After the build up to Christmas, the chilled out period running up to New Year, January can leave us feeling a little drained and like it’s never going to end! Though this month can feel like a challenge for a lot of people, we have put together 7 top tips to help you make the best of the first month of the year!
1. Get Outdoors
January is well known for short days and long nights and one of the best ways to reduce this cabin fever feeling is to get outside whenever you can! This can be easier said than done, during a busy working week but why not take 15 minutes of your lunch break for a quick stroll rather than scrolling on your phone. If its cold wrap up warm, take your headphones or a friend and let the fresh air rejuvenate you
2. Avoid Unrealistic New Years Resolutions
We talked about our top tips for setting New Year’s resolutions in an earlier blog post here, however it is totally fine if you’ve got to this point and realised you’ve set too many resolutions or even that the few you have set aren’t benefitting you. If they feel unrealistic and are weighing you down, let them go! You can always re-visit them later in the year when you feel more ready. Remember, even though January and the start of a New Year is a perfect time to set goals, it isn’t the only time! You can set yourself a new goal whenever it feels right for you and it is important to remember that!
3. Try something New
How about taking your mind of January altogether? Why not find a new hobby and give it a go? The options are endless from gym classes, to yoga classes, horse riding lessons, dance classes, acting workshops, pottery or flower arranging groups, a book club? There are so many different things you can try and scheduling a little time to yourself during the week certainly gives you something to look forward too when the days are feeling a little slower the normal!
4. Ditch The Extreme Diets
Enough said! Restricting calories, using meal replacements and cutting carbs can leave you lacking in energy, hungry, unfocused and snappy! Try to aim for a healthier lifestyle change, even if results are slower you will feel much better in yourself and be less likely to binge or give up altogether. Respect yourself and your body by eating the food that makes you feel good but also educating yourself to find the balance.
5. Read More
Reading a good book is often the best way to escape for half an hour when you need it most! Find a new book, join a library or book club and make some time to read a chapter and have a cuppa to help you relax.
6. Plan Ahead
Money can often feel tight through January so why not schedule some plans in the coming months to give yourself something to look forward to! Research ideal holiday destinations, arrange weekend catch ups with longer distance friends, get organised with your holidays at work. Being organised through January will give you something to focus on and look forward too when your January pay check rolls around.
7. Prioritise Sleep
A good night’s sleep can make you feel a 100% better and there is no better time to get yourself into a good routine now that the festive period has finished. One of my top tips is to turn your notifications off on your phone, mine is silent between 22:00 – 7:00 and this allows you to get an undisturbed sleep. Try having a regular bath or shower in the evening and read your book as a perfect way to wind down and let your body know it’s time to sleep!