How to beat the January blues: tips for getting through Blue Monday

Did you know that the 3rd Monday of January is called "Blue Monday", supposedly when everyone's mood dips and feels their lowest?

Did you know that "Blue Monday " Is not recognised as a real scientific phenomenon at all? It's actually a marketing concept created by a travel company to drive holiday bookings?

There is no denying that January is a TOUGH and long month. It's when people feel their lowest due to the lack of sunlight, increased bills and the end of festivities.

What can be done to beat the January Blues to make the rest of the month more bearable?

Ways to make Blue Monday more manageable

So what can be done to make Blue Monday more manageable? One thing is to try and take your mind off of things. This could mean watching a funny movie, going for a walk in the park, or simply spending time with friends and family. It's also important to remember that the January blues are only temporary, eventually going away.

Another thing you can do is set realistic goals for yourself. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, make sure you set a realistic timeframe and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The same goes for other resolutions, such as quitting smoking or drinking. And finally, don't forget to reward yourself for meeting your goals! 

To get started setting your goals read my blog post The Ultimate Goal Setting Guide: 7 Steps to Create Achievable Goals

What causes the January blues

There are several different reasons why people can experience the January blues. One reason could be the weather. Many people feel down when stuck in the cold and dark for months. Another reason could be that Christmas is over, and people feel blue because they're not feeling the holiday cheer anymore. And finally, some people may feel down in January because it's a time of reflection. After all, the new year has just begun, and it's time to think about all the things we want to change about ourselves.

As the new year slowly rolls around, people start making resolutions. These can be very positive things, such as losing weight or stopping smoking, but unfortunately, it's also a time when many people make negative resolutions, such as ending a relationship. If people don't keep to their resolutions, they can feel worse about themselves, contributing significantly to the January blues.

How to beat the January blues

One way to beat the January blues is to get organised. This means setting goals for the month and planning out what you need to do to achieve them. It also means creating a schedule and sticking to it.

Another way to beat the January blues is to get active. This doesn't mean going to the gym or running a marathon. It simply means getting out of the house and doing something that makes you happy. Whether taking a walk, going for a bike ride, or cooking a new recipe, being active will help lift your mood.

Another way to beat the January blues is to surround yourself with happy things. This means hanging up pictures of smiling people, listening to music that makes you smile or watching silly animal videos on YouTube. It can also mean baking something delicious, splurging on a flower arrangement, or writing down reasons you're grateful for your life.

Yet another way to beat the January blues is to set aside time each day, even if it's only five minutes, to think about the positive things in your life.

Tips for staying positive during this time of year

The month of January can be a difficult time for many people. This is because it is often seen as a time of reflection and new beginnings, which can be difficult for struggling people. So here are some tips for staying positive during this time of year:

1. Be kind to yourself – give yourself permission to relax and take it easy.

2. Spend time with friends and family – this can help remind you that you're not alone.

3. Keep a positive outlook – even when things are tough, try to focus on the good things in your life.

4. Make a plan – if you know what you're doing for the next few weeks or months, it will be easier to feel organised and ready for the future.

5. Learn something new – maybe there's a hobby you've wanted to try or a language you'd like to learn? This can be good for your well-being and provide an essential distraction from negative thoughts.

6. Talk about it – whether that involves talking through your problems with friends, family, or a counsellor or GP.

7. Look after yourself – don't neglect your health during the winter months. Visit the dentist, take exercise and remember to stay hydrated!

8. Don't feel guilty – if you don't manage to do all of these things, there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone has a different idea of what makes them happy, and it is essential to be kind to yourself.

9. Remember that what you do today will affect how you feel tomorrow – meaning that if you're feeling low, having a positive day will help improve your mood.

Identify the future

January is the most depressing month of the year, but it's important not to let this set the tone for the whole month. Instead, think about what you will achieve and the good times ahead.

With so many people identifying as lonely and depressed during January, it's important to remember that we're not alone in feeling this way. We all experience emotional highs and lows at different stages throughout our lives, and there is always support available if you need it.

Your experience of depression can be unique to you, and there are many people around who are happy to listen, offer support and point you in the right direction. For more information on beating the January blues, visit Mind, Samaritans or Rethink.

Until next time take care! X

Originally posted on my personal blog at https://katie-louise.com/how-to-beat-the-january-blues