When January comes around, it can be hard to shift the January blues especially after the Christmas period has burnt us out. Don’t let them get you down, kick start the year on a high and make some positive changes in your daily routine that will benefit your mind AND give you a new lease of life – After all, let’s not waste another year! Here are some tips that you can try out to keep your mind and body in check.
7 Ways to Brighten Your January
1. Take time out for Yoga
If you find yourself falling into the January blues, pick yourself up and clear your head by taking some time out of your day to try Yoga. This exercise can get your mind and body kick-started for the day ahead and is proven to help you build strength and flexibility but also help relax your mind and body with different breathing exercises and poses. If you’re a beginner in the field, get started with this 20-minute Yoga home workout!
2. Get out and about
As we didn’t get out much last year due to restrictions, take some well-earned time out and get outdoors as being stuck inside can have a negative effect on your mind-set. An hour long walk in the fresh air or spent at the gym can help rejuvenate your mind and body, and might just be what you need to shake off the January blues. Or perhaps meet up at a safe distance with a friend you haven’t seen in a while and grab a coffee – because coffee fixes everything!
3. Pamper yourself!
It’s common to feel slouchy and worn out after the festive period, but don’t feel guilty for having one too many mince pies! Take care of yourself by investing in some TLC such as; purchasing a face mask to get your skin glowing; run a bubble bath; bathe your hair in a nourishing mask or treat yourself and get your nails done.
4. Get stuck into a novel
Focusing your mind on something else can transform your thoughts and ultimately, clear your head of those January blues, so why not pick a novel, and start reading 10 pages a day? Completing a book can provide a great sense of accomplishment that works wonders for your mood. You can also encourage friends and other family members to read too by starting your own book club, this way you can enjoy the social aspect of it as well. Too many books to choose from? Take a look at our recommended reads.
5. Reduce screen time
It’s important to remember that not everything you see on social media is real, we tend to only see the highlights. Try not to spend an excessive amount of time online, as we can begin to compare ourselves to others, so try not to get down if you think someone is having a better time than you!
6. Swap takeaways for ‘fakeaways’
Eating a range of fruit and vegetables can have a number of positive effects physically and mentally as you can soak up all the goodness from key nutrients. Introduce fresh season produce into your diet such as broccoli and leeks and you might just notice a difference. With that in mind, we have whipped up 7 Fakeaway Recipes that will be just as appealing as a takeaway, but have a healthier impact on your mind and body.
7. Change Up Your Home Décor
After spending quite some time indoors, you might be bored of your home interior and fancy a change. By doing so, it will give you a project to focus on and take your mind off the fact that it is in fact January. Whether it’s adding a few new plants or changing your wallpaper, this can completely change your environment, and your mood! Check out our 7 DIY hacks to inspire you.
What are you doing to shake off the January blues? Share your tips with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages using the hashtag #SmarterLiving.