Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am Christmas obsessed. So it comes as no surprise that at the end of November all the way until Boxing Day, I am at the peak of my happiness. And anyone that knows me well, knows that once New Years hits, I’m, well the opposite. It shouldn’t affect me like this, it’s ridiculously silly. But I love Christmas and everything about it. It, to some extent, drowns everything out and makes me feel all jolly. Well, it is the most wonderful time of the year afterall!
So come January, I feel lost. I sort of want to count down the 300 and 50 something sleeps to go. But I know I can’t live my life happy for only 1 month and sad for 11. Even though my youngest little boy, who seems to be taking after me with my post Christmas blues, said he will do.
As a mother, and an anxiety buster- I must make the rest of the year just as amazing. Which, when you do tend to suffer with anxiety and dwell on the negative, is a tough thing to do. But 2018 taught me a lot about myself and life. And perhaps it doesn’t have to be so bad, as long as I work hard on improving myself and my life.
My New Years resolutions will be to lose weight, stop chasing people and waiting for their replies, work on my anxiety busting goals and to work hard to become self employed.
But what can I do now? What can I do right now to make sure that I can overcome these January blues?
- Make some positive plans for the future. For me, if I have something to look forward to, even if it’s something small– I am able to focus on that. So this month, we are trying to book a weekend away to see some family and friends. I’ll also book in some dates to see some friends this month for a coffee. In terms of longer plans, I’ll start thinking of things to do this spring/ summer with my children. A very positive thing that we have already done this month is book a holiday for this Summer.
- Have a little ‘me’ time. I intend to schedule in short bursts of time throughout the week, to do something different that I will enjoy. This could range from baking, having a bath, painting my nails to having a de-clutter. Every little helps to re-energise my soul and boost my mental health.
- Eating healthily and drinking more water. This speaks for itself. The healthier I can be, the more my body will feel better and reward myself.
- Spend time working on my physical space. I don’t know about you, but a less cluttered and homely looking home makes me feel better mentally. I have started by writing in my diary when I will do a sort out and deep clean of each room; I usually tackle one room a month so it’s not taking up too much of my time, but I’ve also written a list of what needs doing over the next couple of weeks. I’ve had a thorough clean since Christmas and we got some new furniture so I’m in the process of having a bit of a sort out and organising. I already feel a lot better and mentally decluttered.
- Although I find it hard to think ahead, to some degree I do map out my year and what I want to do when roughly. For example, we will be going to visit family a few times this year. I also want to take my family to London for a weekend trip, so I’ll figure a few things out that will be positive. I also roughly map out when certain tasks need completing.
- Start the new year with some anxiety busting hacks, like worry time or writing down positives at the end of the day.
- Get enough sleep. I have been guilty of burning the candles at both ends this Christmas time, so it’s time I got into a good routine of early to bed and early to rise so that I am ready to face the day and achieve as much as I can do.
- Don’t expect too much too soon. Going from a festive, jolly season to welcoming the January blues- it’s a tough time for us all. So don’t expect to feel on top of the world straight away. Just take one day at a time.
- Get on Netflix and watch some of their fantastic shows and films. Something that has helped me over the past couple of weeks has been to have some TV to look forward to at the end of the day. I will work through my jobs as quick as I can, knowing that come evening time I can curl up in my PJs and stick a binge-worthy show on. This month so far we have watched; Sabrina, The Haunting of Hill House, You, Bird Box and Black Mirror; Bandersnatch.
- Take up a new hobby. For me, I love cross stitch, sewing and baking so I have made sure that in those times that I need to do something for myself, I have these to focus on and enjoy.
I hope that these 10 tips for beating the January blues helps. January is a dull and dreary month for many, so it’s best if we take it day by day and we make the most of these cosy winter days and evenings. Don’t take it so seriously. We’re half way through winter, Summer sunshine will be here before we know it. This month be selfish. Buy yourself that outfit. Go out and watch the latest movie at the cinema. Make plans with friends. Curl up with a cup of tea and Netflix. Find something small to achieve each day to give the days purpose and meaning. Find something small each day to enjoy to give the day pleasure and joy.
Let me know how your January is going and if you’re managing to beat the blues. Also click on the links above to give me a follow on social media, for more updates and tips on how to overcome anxiety. Thank you.
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