January is generally known as the month when the weather takes a turn for the worse, people have overindulged at Christmas, money is tight and it tends to be a month of feeling low. The January Blues are real and sufferers seem to be varied. There isn’t a particular type of person who feels the January Blues, it can be anyone! Claire Eastham has some advice on how to beat the blues this January and to make it to February with your sanity intact. If you want more advice on how to improve your mental health, check out her book We’re All Mad Here.
As I write this, it’s pouring it down with rain. Typical huh? You have to give the ‘saddest day of the year’ credit, it certainly has attention to detail…
There are two options. Either get soaked, or arm yourself with an umbrella (yes that’s a metaphor for life)!
Top five ways to beat the January Blues:
- Treat yourself to something nice for lunch. You don’t have to break the bank, but get something warming and yummy. A salad just isn’t going to do it on a day like today.
- If you can listen to music at your desk, then stick on something upbeat. Keep the brain distracted and comforted. Basically, avoid Radiohead and Adele at all costs!
- Be proactive. Make plans to see a friend or family member tonight, even if it’s just for a cup of tea. As tempting as it is, do not curl up with your demons. If nobody is free then how about the cinema? FYI, there is nothing wrong with going to the cinema solo. All the cool people do it (including me).
- If you’re really struggling, then tell someone. You’d be surprised how even a simple text can ease the weight a little; “I’m feeling really down today, can you send me some words of encouragement?” Charities like Anxiety UK even have a text and online chat service.
- Read my book, because I’m told it’s awesome! Come on… how could I not put that in there?
So there you have it. Just because it’s Blue Monday doesn’t mean you have to feel blue. Make some small changes and reap the benefits of putting your mental health first!