After all the fun of Christmas, the arrival of January can sometimes leave us feeling a little flat, we get back to the real world and return to work. If you’ve overspent and over-indulged during the festive period, there’s always a period of ‘recovery’ to endure. The weather can make a big difference too – those long, cold days seem to blend into each other and summer seems an age away.
There’s also the matter of that New Year resolution you made so rashly a few weeks ago, told all your friends about and now have to come good on. If you’re feeling blue this January, however, there are a few things you can do to instantly lift your spirit.
Here are the 5 Ways to Beat the January Blues
Plan a Holiday
Apparently, we all feel happier when we know there’s a holiday on the horizon. Whether you’re planning it for spring, summer or later in the year, we all like something to look forward to. The simple act of picking a location and making a decision, even if we don’t quite have the money together right now, can brush away those January blues in next to no time.
Start Something New
Most New Year resolutions involve giving up something we like or torturing ourselves into getting thinner or fitter. These tend to be, hard to maintain, which is why many of us fail.
January is a great time to start something new and exciting. If you’ve always wanted to learn to play an instrument, there’s never been a better time than the New Year. There are plenty of resources on line to help you get the basics.
The winter is also a great time to take up a hobby like landscape photography. Or maybe you want to learn a new skill like dressmaking, get involved in art or even learn a bit of carpentry. The choice is entirely yours.
Settle Into a Good Book
Of course, you don’t have to spend a lot of energy finding something to do. Settling down with a really good book can help January simply whizz by. Don’t try to work your way through War and Peace or tackle Ulysses for the hundredth time – go for something that will challenge you or a book which carries you along with the story.
Go a Little Hygge
Hygge is a Danish concept that’s really all about enjoying life’s little pleasures. Some people define it as ‘cosy contentment’ and involves creating an environment that you can snuggle up in, invite friends and family around and just enjoy the moment.
At home, it’s all about warm environments and comfortable layouts. For example, if you have a wood burning stove in the living room, the flicker of the flames and the natural warmth are inherently hygge. It’s also about embracing everything that makes you feel settled – the smell of coffee and breakfast cooking in the morning, the warm feel of a room while a storm rages outside. Think mindfulness and home comforts and you’re halfway there.
Get Out to the Country
We tend to spend more time indoors during the winter months but that also means we’re missing out on some great landscape. January is a brilliant time to explore the countryside. Mountains are topped with snow and forests are decorated with brilliant frosts. The fresh air is good for your health too and the sun is vital if you want to get your daily dose of vitamin D.
So, if you do nothing else this January, put on your coat and boots, your woolly hat and explore our wonderful outdoors to see what delights it offers – something that’s certainly guaranteed to get rid of those January blues.
