New Year! New You?
I have never been one to delude myself with such statements and often prefer a more sensible approach. Why? Because I know myself only too well. I would much rather set SMART achievable goals than plot New Year’s Resolutions. Resolutions which come end January, end March at best I would have forgotten and forsaken, no thanks.
Whilst the rest of the world is reflecting on the newly ended year, some are already suffering from January Blues. How do the January Blues manifest themselves? Well it differs in each individual but are you;
- Lacking motivation? Whilst this can also be attributed to either laziness or too much turkey stuffing.
- Anxiety creeping in all the time
- Low mood most of the time?
- Low libido – also try some Viagra {just in case}
Or maybe for you its none of the above. But maybe its seeing other people excelling in their lives and nothing is happening in yours. No matter how many times we tell ourselves not to compare your start to someone’s middle, we still do it. It is the nature of the best, but it doesn’t always have to be like that. We can make small changes to beat the January Blues.
How to Beat the January Blues in 2018
Whilst most of us are still high on the fun of the festive period others are planing ways to beat the January Blues. Are you on the former or the latter side? I am feeling more in the former than the latter camp because well, I used my January Blues tips I shared last year to peck myself up.
This year, I thought I share more tips on how you can beat the January Blues in 2018;
Declutter your Home
When was the last time you decluttered your home? Recently or are there cobwebs in that area? I try to declutter every 6 weeks but for the last few months I have only done minimal. January is the perfect time to declutter, wanting to start the New Year afresh. You don’t have to declutter your home all at once, but pace yourself and tackle rooms individually.
Have something to look forward to!
I have found when one has something to look forward to your mind doesn’t often wonder on the unnecessary things. For me I focus my mind on whatever it is I am looking forward to and that helps me manage my January Blues. I put together some ideas of what you can plan and look forward to in 2018;
- A getaway or holiday
- Dinner date with friends
- Plan a birthday party
- Have afternoon tea
Do something fun
Everyone’s definition of fun is different, I for one classify traveling abroad every other weekend as fun. Others consider cross fit as fun, sister I am looking at you here. Whilst for others it could be enjoying online games such as bingo or slot machines. I am partial to a bit of bingo but I always win, attending casinos reminds of the 007 themed party in my final year. Now that was some great fun and something to beat the January Blues with.
Start a new routine
We are a creatures of habit and sometimes you don’t even realise it until someone points it out. Starting a new routine makes you think more about what you want to do and achieve. It takes your mind off feeling low and unmotivated to do new things. Whilst others like me experience January Blues mildly, others it can take a real toll. A new routine of something you’ve always wanted to do, or something that fits perfectly into your current routine.
Is it;
- Joining your local yoga class or running group
- Waking up 10 minutes earlier
- Adding meditation to your routine?
It can be anything you want, take time to look at your current routine, what you can add or remove.
Be realistic with your goals!
Let’s get real for a moment, whilst I think starting a new routine is much easier, it’s not the same for others. It’s all well and good me saying ‘declutter your home’ or ‘start a new routine’ but are you willing to follow through? Most of us start with the right intentions and are pumped about starting something new. Review your past, your history and figure out why you’ve never been able to stick to anything. Why do you end up quitting whatever you start and not seeing it to completion. Be realistic with your goals, don’t over commit yourself to something that will only make you feel bad.
Anyone can overcome the January Blues, the question is, are you willing to put in the work?
LucyDorrington says
These are great ideas. It is so easy to feel down in January, particularly if life isn’t going as well as it could.
Life Unexpected says
I love these! I’ve started new habits and mindfulness is one of them. I also always have a huge declutter 2 days before the New Year so I can start the year running. 🙂 x
Kristine Nicole Alessandra VA says
January is a time where I look back on the year that passed. I actually write down my achievements and my failures in my journal. That is my starting point for the new year. How can I improve? How can I continue the habits that brought me success last year? I don’t have the January blues because for me, it is a time to give thanks for the events, the lessons, the blessings and everything that I was and had in the previous year.
Deborah Nicholas says
I love january its like a whole new clean slate to start afresh!
OhNikka says
I’m not going to let this cold give me the blues! I’m going to concentrate on my goals for the year!
Rosemary Anderson Palmer says
January is my birthday month so I try to make my husband and son celebrate the whole month. Sometimes it works.
Vanessa Palma says
I love these. I have been furiously decluttering my home after all of the holiday decorating and major clutter.
Cheryl Vivian | neurotic baker says
This is so me. I always try to keep myself busy in Jan and this year I’m super busy planning my wedding 🙂
Shannon Graham says
I know some people whop really get down this time of year. The weather plays a huge role in attitude.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
I can see why January is tough on so many people. These are smart tips for finding the silver lining and getting back on routine.
chubskulit says
Yesterday, I was in the mood to declutter. I made a pile for donation, and also threw away a lot of stuff that we don’t need.
A GEEK DADDY says
There is so much anticipation for Christmas/New Years than suddenly the holidays are just over. I can see how people get the blues … especially if you live in a cold weather winter state. I’ve set some goals of things I want to do when the temperature outside is comfortable again and using that as motivation to work out inside so I’m ready to go when the spring thaw arrives.
Battlemum says
I always have at least one holiday booked to look forward to during the year. And this year I’ve done done proper planning for my blog do I don’t feel overwhelmed this month! So far so good.
Kara says
We have booked a holiday for February so have that to look forward to and I plan on getting out and about for some fresh air
Pam W says
As soon as Christmas is over, I always get a little down. I definitely needed this post about fighting the January blues.
Emily, Our house now a home says
Ugh, I am so here right now! It is tough with how cold the weather has been, making it really hard to stay motivated. I like the idea of a new routine, and I also really want to plan a spring break trip with my family. Definitely something to look forward to.
Alexandra Bunker says
Definitely agree not to compare yourself with others. Decluttering is my main goal this year, hopefully, I’ll be able to start soon. I want to declutter our entire house! I also agree with being realistic with your goals, just small baby steps will do rather than big hurried ones 🙂
Suzy Mccullough says
Great positive thinking. I was stuck in the January blues but positive outlooks for 2018 have really helped me and I am now motivated and getting stuck into life. Decluttering is a big thing to do for me to get my life moving again
Baby Isabella says
We love this time of year to read blog posts as they are always so motivational. Great post and we tend to find that taking vitamins and iron helps combat tiredness and low mood x
Ashley @irishred02 says
This is so true. Decluttering is a great way to lighten your mood. I know I feel better when I declutter my living space.
Tracy Morgan says
Great tips! I’ve never suffered with January blues – I think the exact opposite is true for me, actually. I see it as a new start and ever nearer to summer, which is always a plus! haha
Anosa says
That’s definitely the right way to look at the New Year
Bethel says
This is very helpful. Although some of these you already know but it would really help if someone repeats it and explains well. Thanks!
Sarah Bailey says
This is such a great post, January is a hard time of year, all the build up to Christmas is over and we are deep in winter so the days have been so dark!
Anosa says
Especially lately when the weather has been absolutely cold and days are more darker earlier.
Nickolai Kinny says
This is some great advice. Honest and practical. Going to give meditation a try this year 🙂
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
These are great suggestions. So far I’m keeping the blues away, but that won’t be the case once we put away our Christmas stuff.
Candy Kage says
All of your ideas and suggestion to beat the winter blahs are wonderful. Just getting up and moving, do something helps a person feel better.
Jeanette says
It’s funny that you say that you try to find ways to keep your mind off of January blues. The one that keeps me going is it taking my kiddo and my husband on a small vacation next month. It’s what’s keeping me going right now and I love it.
Amber says
Yes, I admit, January can be tough since it can get rather dark. I do try to find something to look forward to–for me, it’s new books coming out! I also need to declutter.
leona says
planning travel helps cheer me up. a good break in January can’t hurt either
Jenny Austin Finney says
I totally need to declutter my home and anytime I do, I ALWAYS feel better. I have several rooms, where I’ve stored things for years, that can just be rid of
Anosa says
I always feel good after a good declutter job, at the moment I am looking at decluttering my office first.