Fight the January Blues
It's common to feel depressed in January for several reasons. The Christmas season often brings a sense of anticlimax, where either you had a great time and it's now over, or you didn't, but it seems everyone else did.
Many of us reflect on our lives as the New Year begins. This may involve acknowledging that things did not go as planned. We may review past resolutions and realize that we could not keep them or feel sad about those no longer with us. The pandemic has made the past few years challenging for all of us, and this difficult time may continue, making January even more depressing.
January blues and the New Year can have a negative impact on our mental health, causing feelings of despair. After the indulgences of the holiday season, returning to the regular daily routine can be daunting.
In anticipation of the dreaded January Blues, here are some ways to overcome them.
- Go on a trip. You don't necessarily need to take a long vacation; even a short weekend getaway can positively impact your overall outlook.
- Eat nutritious food. Eating a healthy diet rich in grains, dairy, seafood, nuts, and fruits and vegetables will help you feel better.
- Get enough sleep. This helps maintain good mental health, as sleep deprivation can cause agitation, nervousness, and anxiety.
- Do fun winter activities. Moving your body is a fantastic way to elevate your mood and has been shown to help prevent depression.
- Stay warm. Our bodies seek warm comfort, which is why we often seek out the sun or enjoy a comforting cup of hot beverage.
January may not be the most thrilling month, but focusing on the positive things in your life can chase away the blues.