The first month of the year should be an exciting one; it’s when we set goals for ourselves and make plans for how we’re going to achieve them over the next twelve months. But the truth is, you’re not alone if you’re feeling a little down now we’re in January.
Sometimes it can be hard to get excited about the future ahead when you’re feeling down or anxious, and many people feel like they’ve lost their spark after New Year’s Eve.
In January, people often experience Winter Blues, which causes depression due to cold temperatures and lack of sunlight during these first months of the year. Things such as stressful holidays, absent loved ones and holiday bills coming due can all contribute to this feeling. This sadness also tends to settle in after an occasion or big event, like Christmas.
Together with Winter Blues you might also be feeling difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much, change in appetite, decreased energy levels, difficulty concentrating and irritability. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to make yourself feel better.
It won’t be forever
The first thing to do is remind yourself that this feeling won’t last forever; eventually, Winter will end and Spring will come again. And if you take time during the cold months to reflect about who you are as a person and what makes you happy, you’ll be ready with new ideas and fresh energy and that’s something we can all aspire to do during this season no matter how we’re feeling inside.
Time for self-reflection
Think back on all of your favourite memories throughout your life – where were they? Who was there? What made them so special? How does it make you feel now? Sometimes just remembering those moments can bring a smile to your face when everything around you seems so dark and gloomy. Journaling your thoughts, emotions and challenges has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety too.
Take care of yourself
In order to feel better during this time of year, it’s important that we look after ourselves properly. Eat healthy foods, get adequate sleep every night, exercise regularly, get in touch with loved ones, do the little things that bring you joy. These will all help boost your mood considerably over time. You don’t need to wait for motivation to do those things, often motivation takes action, and you’ll feel better once you start.
Make plans
If you know that you’re going to be feeling down during certain times of the year, make sure you have things planned out in advance so that you don’t end up sitting at home alone by yourself all day long. Staying active and involved with other people will help you not to feel isolated in Winter.
Find beauty everywhere – start with yourself
For most of us, when things get hard, self-care is the first thing to fall by the wayside. Winter temperatures can wreak havoc on your skin and hair. Chapped lips, dry skin and brittle hair are just a few of the consequences of freezing, damp weather. Switch your skincare products, discuss that treatment you’ve always wanted to have with a qualified practitioner, book a facial or a massage – all of those things can help you take back control and regain that confidence about how you look and feel.
