I don't know about you, but in my mind January is a bit of a pants month. It's likely that this opinion has come from my love of Christmas; as it's my favourite time of year, it's always a bit of a low point when the decorations go away and we're back to living our un-festive lives. We spend the best part of the month grieving the year just gone in a bit of a post-Christmas slump.
But I'm determined that this year is going to be different. I am, in general, in a much better place mentally than I was this time last year and I want to stay like this. I want to kick the new year off to a good start and therefore I am determined to not be moping around for the whole month.
Today I thought I'd share with you some of the ways I'm going to be battling the January blues this year; three simple ways of working towards a brighter month.
New Year, New Me
You know those new years resolutions you make every January 1st and then don't think about for the next three hundred and sixty four days? It's time to get your booty into gear and get cracking on them. New year, new me and all that jazz. Maybe you want to get into the gym and get back into shape post-mince pie season. Maybe you want to reconnect with old friends or start saving money. Whatever you want to do, get cracking on it now; it'll be a great distraction from the January Blues.
Spend Time Outside
The darkest months of the year are well known to bring on the blues, so try getting yourself outside and enjoying the natural light we do get. Decreased sun exposure (which is a given during the short winter days) leads to a decrease in serotonin, aka the 'happy chemical'. Popping yourself out into the fresh air and having a good wander will help to boost your mood dramatically.
Make Plans
The Christmas period is one rife with reunions with loved ones, but why does that need to stop come January? Have friends over for a film night; go out for a meal; plan a date night. I know we generally have to tighten our belts in January to recover from the Christmas present splurges but you can do some wonderful things with loved ones on the cheap, or even for free. Not only will seeing your nearest and dearest help to boost your mood, future plans will give you something to look forward to through the darker days.
What will you be doing to guarantee a brighter January?
Spend Time Outside
The darkest months of the year are well known to bring on the blues, so try getting yourself outside and enjoying the natural light we do get. Decreased sun exposure (which is a given during the short winter days) leads to a decrease in serotonin, aka the 'happy chemical'. Popping yourself out into the fresh air and having a good wander will help to boost your mood dramatically.
Make Plans
The Christmas period is one rife with reunions with loved ones, but why does that need to stop come January? Have friends over for a film night; go out for a meal; plan a date night. I know we generally have to tighten our belts in January to recover from the Christmas present splurges but you can do some wonderful things with loved ones on the cheap, or even for free. Not only will seeing your nearest and dearest help to boost your mood, future plans will give you something to look forward to through the darker days.
What will you be doing to guarantee a brighter January?
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