5 Ways to Cure the January Blues
From unrealistic resolutions to seasonal affective disorder, avoid the blues this year!
Today is Blue Monday, said by some to be the "saddest day of the year." Though there isn't much evidence for this claim, it's not hard to see why the name has stuck. After the joy of the holidays, it can be really easy to fall into the January blues — especially for those of us returning to school after the break. Here are five things to keep in mind as we make it through the first month of the year — and Blue Monday.
1. Avoid unrealistic resolutions
The pressure to improve yourself for the New Year can lead to some pretty unrealistic goals. Remember that you can make a change at any time of year — you don't need to wait until January 1st to start. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself in January. Make that your priority. Listen to what your body is telling you that you need.
2. Get sun when you can
Depending on where you live, you might find yourself affected by SAD — seasonal affective disorder — due to a lack of sun exposure. It can be easy to stay inside on a cold winter day, but try to find time to brave the outdoors and get some sun. As well, increasing your vitamin D intake directly can help you combat SAD.
3. Exercise!
Get some blood flowing! Don't start working out as a new resolution to lose weight, but as a way to take care of yourself and to show your body that you love it. Exercise and motion is a great way to fight off the blues, in January, and every other month. Exercise is proven to increase serotonin production, which will make you and your brain happy!
4. Plan something to look forward to
After the holidays, it sometimes seems there isn't anything to look forward to. There are many events in the fall and winter to distract people from the cold — Thanksgiving, Halloween, Black Friday, Christmas, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, and New Year's, to name a few — when January comes, all that's left is to go back to school and work. Keep your spirits up by planning a little something for yourself to enjoy. Try a day away from the city, visit your favourite museum, plan a movie night with friends, or have loved ones over for dinner. Keeping busy and meeting people will help you feel better in these colder months.
5. Remember, time doesn't really exist
Time is a constructed concept! Try not to worry too much or compare yourself to where others are in life. It's okay if it takes you more time to get you where you want to be. January can seem like a dark time, literally and metaphorically — especially after the holidays. But really, it's just another month in another year. Like all months and years, they will end. And so will your January blues. So take a walk in the cold sunshine, or grab a tea with a friend, and let your blues just melt away.