HOW TO BEAT THE JANUARY & FEBRUARY BLUES!

January can be a tough month for many people. Where the colder weather before Christmas can be cosy with the twinkly Christmas lights, hot chocolate and the excited anticipation of the festive season, once it’s all over we’re left with a long, dark, dreary time ahead of us in the first two months of a new year. The Spring & lighter mornings and evenings seem a long way away, money is tight and we’re often trying to cut down on food & drink after overindulging during the festive season. There doesn’t always seem much to look forward to in these two months so it’s important to keep yourself going and try to get motivated for the new year so you’re on top of things & ready when Spring starts to peek through.

 

1.   Make the most of the daylight

Luckily in January, the shortest days of the year are over and the days gradually begin to get longer. However, try to make the most of the days & get up a little earlier. A short walk in a morning does wonders to start off the day with motivation & a spring in your step.

 

2.   Start a good morning routine

A good morning routine such as making your bed, journaling, gratitude and drinking a glass of water for example sets your day off to a good start which is organised & focused.

 

3.   Get your exercise routine back on track

It’s a cliché at the start of every new year to try & reverse the indulgences of Christmas. However, finding time for exercising at least a few times a week really is vital for your physical & mental health.

 

4.   Eat cleanly & healthily

Yes we all know how important healthy eating is but when you really do stick to a healthy diet it proves that what you put in your body has a huge effect on your energy, skin, hair nails etc,

 

5.   Get enough sleep

You can’t pour from an empty cup and getting enough sleep is vital for your physical & mental health.

 

6.   Enjoy simple pleasures daily

Your morning coffee, listening to bird song, a dog walk, your favourite book or a podcast. All these things are simple pleasures that can bring such joy.

 

7.   Practice self care daily and take time to you

Try to find a few minutes of ‘me time’ every day such as a daily walk, reading, a bubble bath, working out, a spa treatment etc helps keep your stress levels down, increase your energy and lower the risk of illness.

 

8.   Get lost in a good book

Reading is a wonderful activity for switching off, relaxing and increasing your knowledge. I aim to read 2-3 books a month or more if possible.

 

9.   Enjoy all the new TV series that start in January

There’s always some great new drama’s to get stuck in to in January so, get your cosy clothes on, light the fire, light the candles, snuggle up & enjoy.

 

10.  Learn something new

Continuing to learn is vital for your wellbeing & self-development. Why not try an online course, listen to podcasts, or set yourself a reading goal this year.

 

11. Get organised

Post Christmas is a great time to get organised for the new year ahead. Setting your goals & intentions, creating your vision board, decluttering, and preparing the house for Spring are all great ways to clear your head and feel prepared for the New Year.

 

 12.  Try damp January rather than dry January

If dry January is not an option for you, why not try to just cut down rather than cut it out completely. Cutting down is still a healthier option.

  

13. Write down your goals, hopes & dreams for the year but avoid unrealistic resolutions

I always start a New Year writing down all my goals & intentions for the year ahead rather than unrealistic resolutions that get broken in the first week. I then break them down into months so they are more attainable and it encourages me to stay positive & motivated.

 

14. Create a vision board

Creating a vision board is a great way to look at your year ahead if you’re creative and are motivated by visual things. There are lots of tips online on how to create a vision board that works for you. Put it somewhere where you can see it from time to time each week to motivate you with your goals for the year.  

  

15. Cut down on screen time

This can be hard when it’s dark so early in the evening & all you want is to snuggle up & watch a good drama or film. This can actually be good for you in these winter months and a great way to relax. However, cutting down on phone & iPad screens can really help with low moods. Spending hours scrolling through social media is not good for mental health and breeds comparison so, try hard to give yourself a daily limit to cut your screen time down.  

 

16. Practice daily gratitude

Daily gratitude practices can make you appreciate the little everyday things in life that are so important to our happiness. It can be something as simple as writing down 3 things your grateful for every morning in a basic notebook or having a gratitude journal that you fill out daily, whichever works for you is fine but getting in to this habit daily brings a sense of appreciation to your life.  

 

 17. Connect with friends & family

Although money can be tight after Christmas, it’s still important to connect with family & friends. It may not be fabulous meals out or cocktail nights for a while but meeting for a coffee or a walk is a great way to catch up with people without it having to cost a lot. A walk, coffee and chat with a friend is good for the soul.

 

18. Get rid of any toxic people in your life who caused upset last year & stop being a people pleaser

Some people are drains & some are radiators. If you found yourself surrounded by draining or toxic people who no longer serve you or if they make you unhappy, then it’s time to get rid of them from your life once & for all. This can be a huge weight off as, the older you get you only want people in your life who lift you and make your life better.  

 

19.  Find a hobby to do at home

Finding a home hobby can help with cutting down on screen time and is also a lovely way to express yourself creatively & create a sense of achievement and fulfilment in your life. There are lots of fantastic hobbies you can try and see which one suits you such as gardening, crocheting or knitting, candle or soap making, researching your family tree or even board games or a jigsaw.

 

20. Be kind to yourself

The most important thing is to take care & be kind to yourself on a daily basis!