How To Overcome the January Blues
This first month of a new year can cause a dip in our moods. After the glorious end of year celebrations, we're left with moody mornings and dark evenings, which can leave us feeling sluggish and sleepy - one of the main reasons why we all find it so difficult to stay motivated in January. The important thing is to remember that you’re not the only one feeling like this.
The January Blues can be attributed to a few factors, such as the weather, financial debt or low motivation. In fact, there is quite literally a day dedicated to the most depressing day of the year - Blue Monday – which falls on 16th January.
It can feel extremely tempting to stay in your PJs all day when the weather is icy cold or the heavens have just opened. Although pyjama days are what we at Cyberjammies live for, we wanted to share three simple ways to keep you productive…for when you’re feeling a little blue
Step Outside
- Hit your step count before the day has started by dedicating just thirty minutes in the morning to step outside. Breaking a sweat outdoors can leave you with a stronger sense of revitalisation, more energy and less confusion, anger and depression. Any kind of exercise can be great for stress relief. It’s said that exercising in the midst of nature can be a particularly powerful antidote to lower stress hormones whilst also burning calories, ultimately helping get your day off on the right foot.
Stick to a sleep-wake schedule
- Scientifically, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is related to how the body responds to sunlight, and can make you feel groggy and moody if you don't get the balance right. Therefore, regulated bed and waketimes are essential for winter. Getting a full 8+ hours of sleep a night on a regular schedule will boost energy levels, reduce foggy heads and make your body more willing to do a big stretch and reach for your slippers to head downstairs. Just remember to not hit the snooze button when your morning alarm goes off!
Write a yearly goal list
- The new year can feel a little overwhelming. With resolutions, diets and new job interviews, it’s important to not pile too much on your plate. Write a goal list of what you would like to achieve this year, broken down by months. For example, write one absolute goal you’d like to achieve in January and two ‘nice to haves’. Do this for the 12 months to avoid feeling overwhelmed and allowing you to be re-motivated each month.
For more tips, visit www.cyberjammies.co.uk.