After the festive period, the mince pies, the family gatherings, along with the weather, we can start to feel sluggish and unmotivated. The dark morning starts and the cold winter breeze can also make it hard to get out of the house. Our moods can potentially take a dip, which can of course make it slightly harder to upkeep our self-care routines.
So whether you’ve just gone back to school or work, here’s how you can banish the January blues and make the most of the month.
3 self-care activities you can engage in
Declutter both mind and space
Tips to declutter your mind – Do brain dump! This is one of my favourite activities I love to do when my brain is feeling overwhelmed. Simply grab a piece of paper and write down all the tasks or plans that need to be completed for the month. Circle the three most important tasks and then break them down into manageable tasks.
Nobody likes a cluttered mind or a cluttered space. A cluttered space or mind can leave us feeling restless, overwhelmed and chaotic. Have you ever noticed that when things are out of place or you’re holding too much in your mind you find it hard to focus or concentrate? Taking time to declutter your mind and your space can have rewarding benefits including feeling stressed, having clarity and helping you to feel more in control.
Tips to declutter your space – Pick one room you want to start with and create a pile of ‘keep, maybe or throw’. This will help you manage items that need to be thrown or given away and items that need to be kept.
Journaling
January is the perfect month to reflect on the previous year. Journaling in itself is a great mental wellbeing tool to manage your mental health. There are a variety of ways to journal including free writing. Journaling doesn’t only have to be in the format of writing, it could be in the form of videos or voice memos.
Tips for journaling – Find a quiet space free from distraction where you can freely write and pop on some music for an immersive experience.
Walking/Moving your body
I know it’s cold and I hate the cold too, but there’s something about the fresh cold air that hits you in the face and wakes you up. Walking also boosts your cardiovascular health, increasing your energy whilst reducing any stress and anxieities. Skipping, lifting weights and restorative yoga are also other ways you can gently move your body during the month.
Tips for walks – Pick a scenic route and listen to music, or better yet, take a friend, family member or partner.