8 ways to beat the January blues

This time of year is a hard time to keep your spirits and mood high.

As the festivities have ended and we enter a new year with a month that has 2937472281 days (or at least feels that long), it can be hard to stay motivated or appear to be upbeat!

Plus, as Blue Monday approaches that’s another reason we may see a dip in our moods. (A national day that can make us believe we feel blue, when we may actually be feeling fine – the pressures of awareness days, hey?!)

It can be a mentally testing time of year so we need to make sure we’re looking after ourselves – both physically and mentally. Especially those who suffer with mental health issues, or struggle with low mood.

If this sounds like you, then I’m sharing a range of ways to boost your mood. These are things that I have found work for me and I’m hoping you can tailor them into your lifestyle to bring a smile to your day!

How I boost my mood…

1. Read

Thinking about the simplicity of grabbing a book and curling up already brings a smile to my face.

Grab a book, magazine, newspaper or opt for ebooks if digital is preferred and get lost in another world for a little while.

2. Go for a walk

Getting outside in the great outdoors is a MUST if you feel low. Breathe in the fresh air, appreciate nature and just take a moment for some stillness and calm in your day.

I’ve already shared how I walk my worries away, so getting a walk in is always a must for me!

3. Avoid eating junk food

Yes, I know when we feel rather rubbish we can tend to reach for the chocolates and a takeaway to cheer us up.

The truth is, these foods won’t make you FEEL good later. It will be a very short term satisfaction before you then feel bloated, lethargic and are perhaps regretting your decision!

You’ll want to eat foods that make you feel good and are nutritious like: fruits and vegetables, oily fish and even dark chocolate!

Not all healthy foods are boring, get inventive with your meals and try something new. Your body and mind will certainly thank you later!

4. Dance your cares away

Get loose, shake a leg, cut some shapes – whatever your phrase may be. But there’s no better feeling than putting some music on LOUD and just dancing away.

Plus, just moving your body is going to elevate your mood. It gets those endorphins flowing resulting in you getting that feel good factor.

I love nothing more than dancing my cares away. Just make sure you listen to uplifting music and nothing sad or too emotive as this could have a negative impact on your mood.

5. Take note of your mood / how you feel

If you’re struggling with low mood, then why not write down how you feel, making a note of your emotions.

I always find physically writing down how I feel, especially when it’s negative takes a weight off my mind rather than keeping all those feelings in my head – bottling up.

This is so crucial, I cannot stress the importance of doing this!

6. Watch your favourite TV show or movie

Something that is bound to cheer you up is your favourite film or TV series. Did someone say: Harry Potter movie marathon? Yes, please!

Watching something familiar and that feels like home can make you feel safe and comfortable, resulting in an improvement in your mood.

I would recommend watching a comedy, or something that literally makes you laugh out loud. As they say laughter is the best medicine for improving low mood amongst other things.

7. Connect with others

This is another important point if you’re suffering with low mood.

Please don’t go silent and shut yourself off from the world. This is a time where you need to speak to others; surround yourself with those that love you.

The people that care about you will notice when you need cheering up, and just spending time with those important people could have a positive impact on how you feel.

Keep talking!

8. A warming cup of tea

One of my most favourite things to do is sit down with a warming cup of tea. As cliche as it sounds, tea to me literally is a hug in a mug.

I’ve been brought up hearing the phrase: There’s nothing that a good cup of tea can’t solve.

And I’m a strong believer of this!

Whenever I’ve needed to talk something through, cry something out, or make a difficult decision, I’ve always done this with a cup of tea close to hand.

The warming beverage relaxes you, helps to give a better outlook on things and can result in improving your mood due to your more relaxed state.

A good brew is sure to boost your mood. Plus, if you’re anything like me a cup of tea always comes with a biscuit for dunking and if that doesn’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will?!

Sometimes it’s the smallest things in life that can make us smile the most!