Beat the blues this January

Our festive hangover, dark days and stretched bank accounts mean that for some of us, the January blues are a real and worrisome time. It’s natural and normal to feel this way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t act to change our low mood and energy levels. 

Your first port of call should be to identify the reasons you feel blue. Recognizing the specific things making you feel anxious will help you to find rationalize your feelings. Think about possible solutions, or at least get the problems out in the open, and discuss them with someone you trust. 

Not everyone will have an identifiable reason for feeling down, and that’s OK too. Understand that its normal to feel this way, and know that taking small steps can make a huge impact on your emotional wellbeing. 

Getting outside and enjoying as much daylight as possible is crucial during the winter months. The short, dark days are the primary reason we feel low in January, so it’s important to combat this by making the most of the daylight hours we have. 

If you can, enjoy something that is unique to winter, like skiing, skating or watching a hockey match. Appreciating the benefits of the season could be enough to change your mind-set, and have you valuing the colder months. 

One of the best ways to fight depression is to exercise. Although it may feel like the last thing you want to do, the rush of endorphins make it worth your while. Leaving the house for a jog might be your worst nightmare, so find a form of exercise you enjoy doing. Whether it’s yoga by the fire, a brisk walk with the dog, a game of indoor badminton, a swim or lifting weights at the gym, there’ll be something out there for you. 

As well as getting your heart pumping, get the rest of your body feeling positive with good, nutritious food. Rather than a fad diet after the excess of Christmas, focus on foods you want to eat more of. Foods high in fibre and vitamins, like fruit, vegetables, pulses and grains, are wonderful nutrition for our bodies. What you eat will have a big impact on the way you feel.

Spending time with friends and family is another winner when it comes to beating the January blues. Remember that most people feel similarly down in the New Year, so you’re not alone. Sharing a nutritious meal and watching a good film with a friend is a great way to improve your outlook on life.

If you’re having financial struggles in the New Year, sitting down and discussing it openly with someone you trust is a scary but important step. Figure out what your incomings and outgoings are, and make a plan for the next few months to help you get back on track. 

If you’re having thoughts or feelings that seem beyond the realm of January blues, seek advice from your family doctor. Feelings of depression, sadness or worthlessness for more than two weeks is a sign you may be suffering with depression. Your family doctor can help you with advice, medication or a talking therapy, if this is needed. 

Remember, January and February can be a wonderful time of magical snow, frosty walks and warming yourself with a hot chocolate by the fire. Think about what you’re grateful for, and take small steps to re-engage with life by getting outside. Seek help if you need it, and remember that spring and lighter days are not far away! 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.