Monday, January 02, 2017

10 Ways To Beat The January Blues



As much as the whole 'new year new me' thing really is a cliche, and it is, there is also something to be said for drawing a line under something and starting afresh. Things like diets tend to get started off on a Monday and in a sense the new year does just that for whatever your longer term goals may be.

As parents we often lose ourselves a bit and it's often hard to get a good balance whilst finding time for us. With the busy excitement and stress of Christmas and the fact that although it's lovely it does fly by before we know it, it can often be followed by a bit of an empty 'what just happened' maybe even tinged with a little sad feeling too. It can be a bit of an anticlimax, with all that excitement, happiness and fun closely followed by a return to work, school and reality in a sudden crash.

Here are ten super simple ways we can feel more like ourselves in the new year and perhaps lift ourselves from those pesky January blues.




1. Make lists - Making lists can be a really good way of planning. Sometimes our heads can be awash with ideas, plans and things to catch up on. Write down everything that is overloading your mind and feel better seeing it on paper, freeing up some head space for more important things.

2. Revisit an old hobby/interest - Getting back into a hobby or interest from way back when can be really rewarding. As well as the nostalgic good feeling, you may also rekindle a love for something you didn't realise you missed.

3. Book something special for yourself - Having something to look forward to can give us a real boost. Book yourself a special treat or if budget will allow, maybe even a family holiday to plan for and get excited about again. Having a few things throughout the year to focus on can keep us motivated and act as a little silver lining for any hard times in the year ahead.

4. Get outdoors - Fresh air and outdoors fun can make you feel good. I'll be honest I rarely have the urge to get out especially in Winter, but when I do I feel so much better for it especially when the kids have had a little adventure too.

5. Ask for help - Make use of the good feeling of new year and ask friends and family to help with anything you may be struggling with. You'll be surprised how willing people will be and having help can make things so much easier to think about, let alone do.

6. Learn something new - Book a course, watch YouTube tutorials, read blogs, learn to knit, start to run... anything you like. Learning a new skill or embarking on a new hobby can be really exciting and you never know where it could lead.

7. Listen to music - Music really is good for the soul. Everything is easier with good music, think about when you exercise or clean - isn't it so much better with music? Pick up some new Cd's, dig out those old favourites and blast them out for all to hear.

8. Have a spring clean - Christmas and all it's goodness brings with it lots of mess, clutter and lovely presents that suddenly need to find a home. This is the perfect time to have a big Spring clean, get rid of anything you don't need, pass things on to others that may need it and see how much making a clearer more organised home does wonders for your mind.

9. Shop - Retail therapy for many of us really does work! Combined with great January sales and possibly even Christmas vouchers or cash, there couldn't be a better time to grab some new clothes, something pretty for the house or anything that will bring a smile to your face.

10. Get pampered - Give yourself time to pamper yourself, maybe even book in for a treatment or learn how to make a homemade pamper product or two. A little bit of 'me time' goes a long way.


If you're feeling the January blues for whatever reason this week, I really hope some of these ideas will strike a chord and work for you. Have a great month!




You Baby Me Mummy

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