As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
:
:
:
:
:
 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
  • Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Money
  • Goals
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • United Kingdom
  • Work with Me
  • Home
  • About
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Fashion
    • Money
  • Goals
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • United Kingdom
  • Work with Me

A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Lifestyle · January 25, 2017

January Blues ~ how to deal with them. 

January blues, how are you dealing with them? It dawned on me that I was am suffering from a bad case of January blues and had to bring it to an end. I mean, just over 4 weeks ago we were celebrating Christmas and before we knew it the new year. For those of us who managed to get time off during the festive period, adjusting back to work is proving fatal. I can not for the life of me concentrate for longer than 2-3 hours at a time before wanting to fall asleep. So in order to break this crazy motion of January Blues, I decided to share what I am practicing.

January Blues

Book a holiday

Yes I know 90% of us are doing no-spend January but booking a holiday now gives you something to look forward to. You can pass time and boredom by marking up the calendar daily as the days fall to the waste side. A holiday does not need to be abroad, it can be a staycation within your country even city if you want. I had a lovely concert to attend with my sister in Birmingham and we made it into a nice staycation by booking a hotel near by.

Oh ready to see @twodoorcinemaclub my first #concert #2017 #2017goals #abmlifeiscolorful #tdcc #ihavethisthingwithcolor #thatcolorproject #lookoftheday #lotd #tagsforlikes #igdaily #igers #fashionblogger #fblogger #fbloggersuk #instagood #instastyle #followme #fblchat #centsofstyle #likeforlike #outfitoftheday #ootd

A photo posted by Travel•Fashion•Blogger• Anosa (@ajulydreamer) on Jan 24, 2017 at 11:11am PST

Be social and meet up with friends 

I should really practice what I preach because I am so bad at meeting up with friends. Over the festive period a couple of friends and I had spa day then spent few days at mine. After that I have pretty much been a hermit only leaving my house for work though 90% of the time I am WFH. It was lovely having friends over so much that I have arranged to meet up with others sometime soon.

Be active

Again I should practice what I preach more often because though I am going it’s not nearly enough. I joined the gym last year many and went religiously until my 2-week vacation to Johannesburg in September. After that it was pretty hard to attend due to university, work plus blogging then festive period. Before I knew it, it was January and as mentioned above I am going just not enough.

On the blog I am sharing my #blackonblack #outfitideas #ootd❤️ #fashionblog #ukbloggerstyle #ukbloggers #Fashionblogger #fashion #clothes #shoes #outfit

A photo posted by Travel•Fashion•Blogger• Anosa (@ajulydreamer) on Jan 23, 2017 at 7:29am PST

Look after you

How to look after you adequately can only be defined by you. Some of us taking care of us could be a simple case of alone time or date night. Others it could be a lot more than that and might require some planning.

These are some of the things that are helping me conquer the  January blues?

 

In: Lifestyle

You’ll Also Love

{Christmas Series} Saving Money ~ Fabyouless.
dental implantsWhat dental implants could do to your self-esteem and smile
Keep Calm and Carry On

Comments

  1. Rose Ann Sales says

    January 30, 2017 at 2:57 pm

    great tips! been wondering what to do the whole January but atlasst! January blues will end soon! lol. this are all great tips,

    Reply
  2. Ricci says

    January 29, 2017 at 8:24 pm

    These are great tips for someone who gets the post-holiday blues. I don’t really have a prob;em with that because I am always on the go and have no time to “get the blues”.

    Reply
  3. Katy Lyle Hood says

    January 29, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    These are all great ideas to beat the January blues! Especially the first one, I would LOVE to book a holiday right now!

    Reply
  4. Frosted Events says

    January 29, 2017 at 4:14 pm

    This is absolutely a great post, I had a bad January month it’s a full of problem but it so challenging sometimes I wish I can get into that Situation, I wish february be good to me since it’s my Birth year

    Reply
  5. Alina Ghost says

    January 29, 2017 at 9:34 am

    Good tips, and most of which I’ve covered – got a couple of holidays to look forward to. I’ve seen lots of friends and family and I’m staying active 🙂 Goodbye Jan blues x

    Reply
  6. Eileen Murphy Kelly says

    January 29, 2017 at 5:12 am

    I hear you, somany have the January blues So funny the hubs and I are doing some major research for a winter break. We love the winter months but need a break and a relaxing vacation too. Going to the islands in February

    Reply
  7. Lilinha Espindula says

    January 28, 2017 at 10:29 pm

    Great tips to deal with January blues. I am looking forward to our summer holiday, that’s what keeps me going! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Stella Kashmoney says

    January 28, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    Great ideas. I got back from Milan some days ago. Best thing ever. Have a great February.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Thanks lovely, I hope you had a lovely time and wishing you a lovely Febraury too

  9. Azlin Bloor says

    January 28, 2017 at 11:01 am

    Well, I’m glad you’ve got some great ideas on how to shake those post holiday blues! Friends and sunshine are always great remedies!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 2:45 pm

      Always and yes friends and sunshine a great combination

  10. Kizim Kouture says

    January 28, 2017 at 10:19 am

    I’m lucky that I don’t get chance for January blues because my daughter’s birthday planning takes up most of January. For me, it is February blues lol.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      Oh how nice, I am sure the plans and party were/are a hit. Good luck with the February

  11. Life Unexpected says

    January 28, 2017 at 7:45 am

    Great tips. We booked a holiday, have made sure to socialise more and I’m doing more exercise. Still cannot wait for the sunshine though. xx

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:46 am

      I know the feeling and good for you

  12. WEMAKE7 says

    January 28, 2017 at 12:53 am

    I’ve been looking out for me as well by eating right and getting to the gym when I can. I feel like I have January blues as well and can’t wait until Spring.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:46 am

      Glad to hear you’re looking after you

  13. Annemarie LeBlanc says

    January 27, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    January for me is a month of new hope. I have to treat it as the month to plan and tweak ways to jump start a good rest of the year. I love your tips, and I have already been doing some of them (meeting up with friends mostly).

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:46 am

      I love your ideas too, I have done the same but after I was left feeling blah since some of my plans don’t start for another few weeks

  14. Kara says

    January 27, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    I love the booking a holiday idea but sadly January is also the month where we are most skint LOL

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:45 am

      Hahaha I know the feeling and I am with you but the beauty these days if you can just do a deposit for your future vacation

  15. Annette Yedlin says

    January 27, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    These are all great tips. My girlfriends and I are actually planning a girls night out soon. January has definitely been a crazy beginning to the year for me so taking time to just escape is wonderful.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:44 am

      I have done the same with my girl friends and excited about our upcoming trip

  16. Amanda Marie says

    January 27, 2017 at 4:33 pm

    These are some great tips! It’s amazing how just seeing our friends immediately brightens our mood!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:43 am

      I know right, it makes a whole lot of difference

  17. Rebecca Swenor says

    January 27, 2017 at 2:56 pm

    These are all great ways to stop the January blues. I know I visit friends and family a lot more during the winter months. We also go sledding and do outdoor activities together. Thanks for sharing the tips.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:43 am

      You’re welcome, I have never done sledding before but would love to one day

  18. Mai C. says

    January 27, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    Aside from the holidays, my aunt and uncle came over and we were out almost everyday. Going back to the daily grind is definitely tough. I would love to get away even just for a day or two, without having to spend too much.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:43 am

      It can be super difficult to get back into routine so a little powwow would be awesome to recharge and start again

  19. Marceline Dementori says

    January 27, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    I really think it would be nice to go out and explore this month! It’s a nice change plus, it’s going to allow you to relax as you go about getting back to the daily grind.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:42 am

      Exactly, I was hoping my car would be here by now so I can create a new routine involving exploring new towns

  20. Hra says

    January 27, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    I definitely agree with this!! January i always a gap for me !

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:41 am

      It sure is for most of us

  21. Clair says

    January 27, 2017 at 11:29 am

    I have just booked a holiday to Disneyland – very much cheered me up!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:40 am

      Oooh that sounds awesome

  22. Zena's Suitcase says

    January 27, 2017 at 9:09 am

    I would agree with all these, especially booking a holiday. I think having something to look forward to makes a huge difference

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:40 am

      Exactly, I am currently counting down to my vacation coming up

  23. Natalia Molinero Mingorance says

    January 27, 2017 at 7:10 am

    these are great tips! sometimes it’s so difficult to take care of oneself, but applying those tips it’s motivating 🙂 x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:40 am

      It can be difficult for sure but with a little motivation it can be done

  24. Amanda Simkin says

    January 27, 2017 at 4:56 am

    I totally have the winter blues, especially now that my country is such a hot mess and I lost my dear grandmother. You have some great tips here…hopefully I can plan a trip to someplace warm and sunny soon!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:39 am

      Aww bless your sweet head, sorry for your loss

  25. Claudia Krusch says

    January 27, 2017 at 3:23 am

    January is always a blah month for me. I try to book a mini vacation and massage near the end of it every year.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:39 am

      Now that is such a good idea, I need a massage for sure

  26. Joely Smith says

    January 27, 2017 at 2:12 am

    Great tips. This month we got more social and met some new friends and it helped the ho hums a lot 🙂

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:38 am

      Awww that’s good to hear

  27. Sarah Bailey says

    January 27, 2017 at 1:29 am

    Meeting up with friends or visiting the elderly, relatives sometimes when you don’t have anywhere to go this month is really a must. I am also thinking of some zumba or yoga classes during the weekend.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:38 am

      Oh yes that’s a good idea, I have yoga during the week so cant wait for that

  28. Terri Ramsey Beavers says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:30 pm

    These are great ways to combat January blues. We call them winter blues around here and I get to the point that I want to see green.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:37 am

      Oh awesome winter blues! I want to see some greenery too

  29. Jennifer Parker-Gilbert says

    January 26, 2017 at 11:10 pm

    I get the January blues, too. Not much happening in the winters in Michigan! I have to get better about the gym, as well. We have new work-out equipment. I just need the motivation to use it!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:37 am

      It’s that motivation that most of us are in need of for sure

  30. Joanna says

    January 26, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    Some great ideas I’ve definitely had the January blues this year. The cold,wet and dull weather doesn’t help.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:36 am

      Nope it doesn’t for sure

  31. Katie Kinsley says

    January 26, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    I’ve had the January blues too! Though mine were theft related – I still am going on a trip to see my friend in Seattle. I can’t wait!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:36 am

      Oh dear what happened? Hope you have a lovely trip

  32. Emily, Our house now a home says

    January 26, 2017 at 9:11 pm

    Ugh I am right there with you! This time of year always gets me down, the holidays are over but we are still stuck in winter. I am a sun and warm weather person and it is difficult this time of year. I agree that being active and getting outside any way you can really does help.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:35 am

      I too am a sun and warm weather kind of person so winter is always a kill joy for me

  33. fivelittledoves says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:49 pm

    Great post. I am really suffering with the January blues but my lovely husband is taking me away for the weekend which is just the boost we need!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Awww how sweet of your hubby! Have fun for sure

  34. Amber says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    I know what you mean about the blues. Lucky for me, I have a trip to Disney coming up in March, so it’s not all bad!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Ooh that will be fun. I have Budapest at end of Feb and Cyprus at beginning of March so excited about that too

  35. Pam says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    I usually get the January blues, but this year the weather has been so weird that I really haven’t. Getting active and hanging out with friends are great ways to boost a mood.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:33 am

      That’s good to hear, I didn’t realise I was having January blues until I realised I have been couped up inside for days

  36. Jenn Padgett says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    The weather here in Michigan has been giving me the blues. Making it hard to get work done. All I want to do is grab a blanket and be lazy.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:32 am

      Oh I know the feeling, England has been doing that to me and more

  37. Tammy says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:18 pm

    Love these suggestions. One good thing about living in Florida, the sun shines all the time and the weather is great. A great way to stay motivated.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:32 am

      So jealous of the Florida weather, in England I always feel cheated because we never have a proper summer

  38. tara pittman says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:12 pm

    This dreary weather gave me a case of the blues. Finally the sun came out and I am doing better. Now the cold needs to go so I can go for a walk.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:31 am

      At least you’re getting bounts of sunshine, nothing on my end so definitely need that warm holiday

  39. Chrishelle Ebner says

    January 26, 2017 at 6:07 pm

    The weather has been so mild here in GA this January.We have been able to spend lots of family time outside,: fishing, kayaking, and picnicing. No blues here to report.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:31 am

      Chrishelle I am totally hating right now as it’s blooming freezing here and been coupled up in doors most days

  40. Candy Kage says

    January 26, 2017 at 5:14 pm

    We have a weekend get away coming up. Just what the doctor ordered. Looking forward and can’t wait.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:30 am

      Oh have fun for sure, it’s exactly what the doctor ordered

  41. Doria Miyata Murphy says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    These are great tips! We’re New Englanders and the winter months can be TOUGH. We tend to book travel at least a couple times over the course of the winter to get out and get a little extra vitamin D. 😉

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:30 am

      Sounds like England itself, I tend to book some holidays over the winter but 90% of the time it’s to places as cold as England lol

  42. Jeanette says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:12 pm

    It’s funny that you say book a trip. That is actually what I’m doing right now. This summer after years of saving we are finally going to go to Hawaii and so we have been looking up stuff of places to visit when we get there.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:29 am

      Oh wow I am so jealous right now because Hawaii is on my list of places to visit this year too

  43. Jo says

    January 26, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    I think for me, I need to take more down-time. I seem to be constantly working, so taking some time out and going out for the odd day here and then might help 🙂

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:28 am

      Sounds like a good plan to me

  44. Carol Speake says

    January 26, 2017 at 2:06 pm

    Lots of great ideas here. I need to get up and be more active for sure. I’ve made some resolutions for social things in my calendar instead of just work. That helps.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:27 am

      That’s good, doing other things outside work is such a good idea

  45. Talya Stone says

    January 26, 2017 at 12:50 pm

    I agree being active and getting on with it massively helps but you really have to force yourself to do it!

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:27 am

      Oh absolutely it takes lots of will power

  46. Rhian Westbury says

    January 26, 2017 at 12:12 pm

    Booking holidays’ is a great way to beat the January blues. I booked time off work for pre-planned trips as soon as I got back into the office on 3rd x

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:27 am

      I did exactly the same thing and excited for my first trip abroad

  47. Robin Rue says

    January 26, 2017 at 10:47 am

    I am loving your tips. I know a lot of people feel down this time of year.

    Reply
    • Anosa says

      January 28, 2017 at 8:26 am

      Thanks Robin, January seems to have a lot of have in a downward grip

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Next Post >

Kitchenware Wishlist

About Me
I'm Miranda. Travel-Addict. Blogger. Moscato Addict. Weekend Escapist. Homebody. Countryside dweller residng in Oxfordshire.

Search the archives

My 5 Year Plan to become a millionaire

https://youtu.be/rzpyQrO3BLY

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

The Categories

The Archives

  • Home
  • About
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 A July Dreamer · Theme by 17th Avenue

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Loading Comments...