Every year January comes around and affects our Mental Health more than what we know. Our moods and habits may change with less exposure to daylight, but there are steps we can take to protect our mental health. Trying a few of the tips below may help to bring some positives and improve your mental wellbeing amongst the dreariness.
This week we hear from one of our Mental Health First Aiders, Leah Clegg, on how to stay positive during the January Blues.
1. Make the most of the daylight we have
First things first, what January lacks most of is daylight and/or sunshine, of which are not only key to improving mental wellbeing, but natural daylight is vital for effective brain and body function. Whilst the sun is up, it’s important to get outside as much as possible and embrace the light as well as the oxygen. What a great excuse to get on your cosy layers!
2. Exercise
This comes hand-in-hand with achieving natural daylight exposure, albeit you may not have goals to run a marathon this year and the gym may be a little busy for you to contend with at the moment, a simple walk once or twice a day will significantly improve your mindset. Coming into a warm home after a chilly walk certainly has a lovely warming affect too.
3. Make your own glow
Got a few unused candles in your bottom drawer or in your newly bought Christmas pile?
A warm light lamp?
Access to Netflix’s “The Fireplace”?
The warm and calming glow of a fire reduces blood pressure and stress levels, providing a quick-fix feel-good factor throughout the winter.
4. January Soundtrack
If you don’t already have a feel good playlist, create yourself one full of upbeat tracks to help you feel energised on dark, cold mornings or your drive home on an evening. Music has been shown to elevate your mood, reduce stress and improve cognitive performance. The brain releases dopamine while listening to music, so creating a soundtrack for your winter could provide you with just the motivation you need to make it through to spring.
5. Selfcare
Be kind to yourself, spending quality time, creating a sense of warmth and cosiness, enjoying little indulgences and taking pleasure in the simple things. As well as creating a cosy environment, do things that make you happy, such as having dinner with family/friends, relaxing in a hot bath with candles, or snuggling on the sofa with a good book and hot drink. Fill your rooms with cosy smells as your sense of smell plays a part in your mood, and different smells can evoke memories, create a sense of comfort, security or peace, and can impact mood tremendously. Many people set unrealistic New Year resolutions and then feel a sense of deflation and failure when they can’t keep them. Remember to slow down and make some time for yourself. Embrace the downtime and disconnect for a calmer, happier you.
6. Declutter, January is the new Spring.
Clutter in your home or work environment makes it more difficult to focus on a task. A clear living space really does make for a clear mind, meaning you can get on with more pleasurable pursuits without being caught up with the chaos. It’s an easy way to cleanse the palate and have a fresh start. Move over spring-clean and come on in winter clear-out!
