January can feel gloomy after the bright lights, indulgences, fun, and socialising that comes with Christmas. Add to that cold weather, dark days, Christmas debts, failing in our New Year’s resolutions, and it’s no surprise people find themselves feeling down. All of this comes together to create the ‘January Blues’. 

The January Blues manifests itself as low mood, lack of motivation, tiredness and low energy. Instead of giving into The January Blues, why not learn how to beat them?

Here are our tips for giving yourself the best start to the New Year:

Five tips to beat the January Blues

1. Accept that this is normal

There are biological reasons why many people feel low and lack energy during January. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with having these feelings, and many people feel exactly the same as you. 

2. Make the most of the daylight

Being outdoors in the sunlight can make you feel better and give you more energy. This is because exposure to natural light increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is associated with improved mood. The sunlight can make you feel better and help regulate your sleep cycles.

3. Exercise

It might be cold outside, but one of the best ways to improve how you feel is to get some exercise. A brisk walk with friends can be a great way to get some fresh air and release endorphins, making you feel better.

More ideas on how you can improve your wellbeing by being active.

4. Eat properly

When feeling down, you’re more likely to comfort eat. It’s normal for us to want more fatty and heavy food during the cold months of winter. Having a varied, balanced diet can work wonders to improve your mood. Balance your craving for carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. And take extra vitamin D – the ‘sunshine vitamin’. 

More on how what you eat and drink can improve your mood.

5. Avoid unrealistic New Year’s resolutions

Every January, people suffer from the January Blues because they have been overly ambitious with their New Year’s resolutions and are left unhappy when they can’t achieve them. It’s good to make resolutions to improve yourself, but they need to be realistic and specific. Don’t make difficult and vague resolutions like “save more money” or “be more organised.” Make sure your resolutions are ones you can actually achieve and measure.

More on how to set realistic wellbeing goals you will stick to.

Want to know more about improving how you feel?