9 Top Tips to Beat the January Blues!
With Christmas and the New Year festivities far behind us now, January can be…well …a little depressing. However, it doesn’t have to be! Here at Nine Feet Tall we’ve come up with 9 top tips to see you through the rest of January and far into 2018:
- Have a proper breakfast
It’s tempting to skip breakfast, especially following the indulgent festive season; however missing out on this important meal can leave you with low blood sugar levels, affecting your energy and mood for the day ahead.
- Exercise
Exercise is one of the most effective ways of combatting those January blue feelings. Swim, cycle, run; the possibilities for exercise are endless and will send your endorphins sky-high.
- Spring clean
Give your house and work space an early spring clean. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel when you can finally see the wood for the trees.
- Learn something new
Instead of concentrating on those ‘January blues’ feelings, shift your focus and set yourself a goal of learning something new. Perhaps take up a new hobby or focus on improving something you already enjoy.
- Book a holiday
Use January as a time to set up some holiday to look forward to. Even if it’s just planning a weekend away – get something in the calendar that you can get excited about.
- Make time to socialise
At this time of year you’re normally too tired or cash – strapped to paint the town red. However, numerous studies have linked psychological wellbeing to social networks. So make an effort – invite friends over, organise a social event or join a voluntary organisation.
- Treat Yourself
Make a point of doing something you love this month. Go to the cinema, watch a sports game or have a massage, anything that you enjoy.
- Regular sleep
The temptation to spend your days off under your duvet may never be quite as strong as in January; however lazy days in bed will leave you feeling even more lethargic. Instead, try and establish a regular sleeping pattern of seven to eight hours per night and by February you’ll be jumping out of bed in the mornings.
- Eat right
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids block certain chemicals that can cause low moods. Oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna), flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds are all good sources. Cabbage, broccoli and sprouts have also been proven to be mood boosting…left over Christmas sprouts anyone?!