4 Ways to Uplift Your Mood During the January Blues
Sometimes the weight of January bears down on your shoulders like a dark and gloomy cloud. The excitement of Christmas feels like a lifetime ago, replaced by shorter days, heavier skies and tighter pennies. If it’s left you feeling unmotivated and lacking in energy the pressure to start afresh can be a little overwhelming. The silver lining is you are by no means alone in feeling like this and there are a few little things you can do to step out from under the cloud that don’t require huge change. By following a gentle step by step process that is deep rooted in focusing on your holistic wellbeing and treating yourself with kindness you will be able to brighten your mood, even on the darkest days.
1. Seek out some light on a daily basis – January is not known for its bright, sunny days which is one of the reasons why it is a month that can dampen your mood. Getting a dose of natural light can significantly increase levels of dopamine in the brain which helps make you feel happier, more motivated and more focused.
If you wake up to a bright sunny morning, open the curtains let the sunlight in. Be sure to get out in it first thing and feel the sun on your face. A feel-good morning walk, even a short 10 minute one will kickstart your day in a positive way. Or grab yourself a cuppa and sit by the window in the sunlight. On cloudier days, light a candle or use a vitamin D lamp, it is the source of light in the darkness that nourishes your soul and boosts your mood.
2. Slow the pace down – Many people try to get rid of the January blues by being as busy as possible to get through the month at break neck speed, hurling themselves back into work, fixating on intense resolutions with an all or nothing approach and leaving themselves with no downtime to dwell on how they are feeling. This can exhaust both the mind and body. Sometimes what is needed is a gentler pace that can incorporate rest and space. A softer approach to life. Start your day with a calmer wake up. Maybe setting your alarm for 10 minutes earlier so you can come to in a slower, more peaceful way. Add moments to pause and reflect at regular intervals throughout your day so you feel less harassed and have more clarity. Listening to what your body needs and understanding its cues will help you feel more focused, productive and more aligned.
3. Nourish your body with grounding foods and gentle exercise – Combining comfort foods that give you energy and calming exercise that leaves you feeling relaxed will help lift and sustain your mood and nurture your mind and body. Foods like soups and stews flavoured with spices will provide warmth and emotional stability. Drinking herbal teas and eating more plant based food will help your digestion and make you feel less lethargic.
Moving at a slower, calmer rhythm will feel more indulgent and take the pressure off the January fitness drive. Choose exercise to suit your mood. Yoga and pilates for peace and clarity, energizing walks for lifting your spirit or dancing around your kitchen to fill your soul with happiness and joy. Movement that’s in tune with how you feel can be more effective at lifting your mood than high intensity punishing workouts. Combining the right foods with the right moves can feel like a warm and comforting hug on cold and dark days.
4. Comfort and Clarity - Little rituals that can provide moments of comfort and things you can do to provide clarity will help ease the pressure of starting a new year. Lighting candles, using soft lighting and blankets will create a cozy and warm feel to your home, providing a safe haven for you to relax in. Using essential oils calms your body and relaxes your mind and helps you leave the January hustle and bustle at your door. Connecting with a friend can be amazingly healing and supportive during the winter darkness, the feeling of togetherness can really pull you through and help you look forward to what the year may bring.
Journalling can clear your mind of all the madness and mayhem it is exposed to and will lift the fog that is clouding your thoughts. Writing down what you feel you need to do more or less of or jotting down something that would make the week feel better is very cathartic and gives you the visual insight you need to take on the day.
Final Thoughts
It’s natural to feel the blues during the January weeks, it’s a dark, slow month to navigate. Treating yourself with kindness and nurturing your mind and body with warmth and compassion will ease the transition through this time. Little rituals will make a big difference and provide you with the hope, healing and support you need. The more you look after you holistic wellbeing, the sooner the brighter days will be here.
PS. “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite the darkness” Desmond Tutu. Contact Positive-Soul today to discover more.