How To Overcome The January Blues

After the hustle and bustle of Christmas closely followed by the turn of a new year, it is easy to fall into a slump during the following month. With cold mornings and early dark nights mixed in with going back to work, new year's resolutions already failing, and the whimsy of Christmas having worn off, it is no surprise that many of us are feeling the January Blues.

First thing to note is that you're not alone in this feeling. Many people suffer from the January Blues each year, but fear not, here are a few tips to help you overcome the added stress and anxieties that come round at the top of each new year.

Enjoy nature

In January, it seems as though there is only a handful of hours where it is light outside, but the good news is that the days will be brightening up in the coming weeks. If the darkness is getting you down, then be sure to make use of the daylight hours by getting outside, away from screens and enjoying the nature and countryside around you.

Natural light and air will both all you to have a change of scenery, taking your mind away from the monotony of going back to work, and will also help improve your general mood, giving you a serotonin boost.

Escape into a book

Picking up a book can be a great way to alleviate stress or anxiety as you can delve into a different world for an hour or so and escape from your current reality. Reading allow you to step into the shoes of someone else and live in their world for as long as you wish.

It has been found that reading for even just 6 minutes each day can reduced stress levels by up to 60%!

Learn a new skill

Instead of giving up something or restricting yourself with a resolution this new year, why not put that effort into learning a new skill. This could range from joining a sports team to learning a new recipe or taking a course to learn a skill you have always wanted to.

By putting in effort to learning a new skill will give you something fresh to work towards and engage your mind in a different way. It is also a great way to create a realistic goal and work towards it, gaining a sense of genuine achievement as you go.

Nights out

Working hard is great, but you need to schedule in time to let your hair down every once in a while. Knowing that you have an event coming up can keep your mind off any new year stresses or anxiety which can come from feeling stuck in a rut. There are hundreds of amazing events occurring up and down the country this January, you just need to find the right one for you. Some events on this January include:

Comedy tours
London: James Acaster, Daniel Sloss
Manchester: Peter Kay, Guz Khan
Portsmouth: Lucy Beaumont

Concerts
London: Mel C, G Flip, Kim Woojin
Birmingham: Depeche Mode, Ashley McBryde

Theatre shows
West End: Mamma Mia, Frozen, The Phantom of the Opera
Many tours spanning the UK such as Wicked, Sister Act and Come From Away

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