Top tips for beating the January blues

After all the excitement and fun of Christmas, you may find yourself experiencing the January blues. But don’t worry, you’re not alone!

The dark mornings and cold weather are enough to make even the happiest of people feel a little less cheery. The good news is that spring is only 56 days away, so there really isn’t long until the clocks go forward and we start to experience lighter, brighter days.

In the meantime, check out our handy tips for beating the January blues.

Get some fresh air

When it’s dark and cold, it might be hard to motivate yourself you go outside but it really will do you the world of good. Regular exercise releases feel-good endorphins and has been proven to reduce stress, boost self esteem and improve your mood.

Another amazing benefit of spending time outdoors is that it helps you to get Vitamin D, something that helps with mood, energy and sleep.

Take up a new hobby

Keeping your mind active is another way you can help to beat the January blues. This could be anything from learning a new language, taking a course or even trying your hand at baking. Some of our favourite hobbies include creative crafts, such as diamond art and crocheting, as well as relaxing activities like yoga and reading.

These things can be done from the comfort of your own home (so you don’t have to get cold!) If you are feeling a little lonely this month, why not invite a friend or family member to join you? They might be feeling the same and after all, having a laugh and chat could be all the medicine you need!

Get enough sleep

Is sleep causing your lower mood? Healthy adults should get around 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and anything outside of this could result in you feeling lethargic, irritable and/or anxious. If you’re struggling to sleep, take time away from screens like televisions, phones and iPads, and allow your brain to switch off naturally for a good quality night’s sleep. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself

There is no shame in feeling a little down this month and most of us will feel the same. Give yourself a break and don’t be too hard on yourself, as this will only make you feel worse. There are plenty of things, which we have mentioned above, that you can do to take your mind of things and help make you feel happier.

What tips do you have for making January better? Let us know your suggestions in the comments, or via our social media platforms.