January can be a difficult time for a lot of people, with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) being far more prevalent in winter than in summer. So how do we beat the January blues?
There are numerous reasons why people might feel a little blue in January. It signals the end of the festive season, and can look especially bleak in contrast with the excitement of the busy few weeks leading up to Christmas and other holidays that occur in December.
The weather is also a factor in how we feel in January. The days are cold, the weather gloomy and there’s very little daylight, meaning we don’t get as much Vitamin D as we should, which can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder.
January is also a time of New Year’s Resolutions, and people tend to aim higher than they should with goals that are almost impossible to achieve. They can then become disheartened when they inevitably fail, adding to feelings of gloominess.
There are a few things we can do to try to combat the January blues. The first is to try and get out as much as possible in daylight to increase exposure to the sun, even if it’s just a quick walk on your lunch break.
If you’re making New Year’s Resolutions, don’t set your sights too high - you’re just setting yourself up to fail. Think about what you can realistically achieve, and go from there. It’s a good idea to start small; you can always adjust your goals in January if needed. Remember, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t achieve your goals - you can always try again with a more achievable goal.
It’s important to be kind to yourself, however you are feeling. Make sure to eat properly and get enough sleep, as poor diet and lack of sleep can have a negative effect on your mental health.
Try to socialise with family and friends regularly to stave off feelings of loneliness and isolation. Remember that a lot of people are affected by January blues, so it may help others if you reach out.
Try learning something new or picking up a new hobby. This gives you something to aim for and concentrate on, and learning new skills is a great way to gain confidence.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from friends or family, or a medical professional. Just discussing your feelings with someone else can make a huge difference.
Thank you for reading.
Why not take a look at one of our other blogs for more inspiration on how to beat the January blues:
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Craft and Creativity Can Boost Your Happiness
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How Exercise can improve Mental Health
