What is The January Blues and How to Beat it

What is the January Blues?

The January blues is the feeling of sadness and lethargy that occurs in the month of January. It is thought to be the “come down” from the highs of the festive season in December. We tend to have less to look forward to in the month, most people are trying to save up again or at least pay off bills and credit cards from Christmas and New Year.

There is also the weather, which is usually cold and wet. The days are very short in the peak of winter and some people might go days without seeing sun light. People tend to experience a low mood, a lack of motivation, tiredness and low energy. This is similar the Season Affective Disorder (SAD) which can induce serious depressive episodes during the darker months.

Blue Monday also occurs during the month, the most depressing day of the year. It usually falls on the 3rd Monday of the month (January 17th 2022). So called due to the combination of a lack of social functions, bad weather, long nights, lower disposable income and the lingering aftermath of the festive period.

7 Ways to Combat the January Blues:

1.      Know that is normal and that many people are having the same experience. Understand that it is a natural response, especially if you had a wonderful December filled with social interactions, food, drink and festive activities. It is the way the brain tries to restore equilibrium between pleasure and pain. To learn more about pleasure and pain click here.

2.      Get as much daylight as possible. Daylight has so many benefits and is a critical component of our health. The effects of a lack of sunlight includes disrupted sleep, low energy, low mood and lethargy. Try to go out for at least 15 minutes first thing in the morning, even if there is overcast, it is still worth going out.

3.      Exercise is important to our health, not only physically but also mentally. Exercising produces the feel good chemicals endorphins and dopamine. Without these chemicals, we start to feel worse. It is the reason some people start to feel depression like symptoms if they have to stop exercising for a prolonged period. If you do not have the time to exercise, click here to learn about the various ways you can make exercise fit into your lifestyle.

4.      Avoid unrealistic New Year resolutions. New Year resolutions can be helpful and some people find the fresh start beneficial and helps them reset. However, be realistic with your resolutions, and whatever you do make sure to start slow. To find New Year resolutions you can stick to and learn about how to stick to them, click here.

5.      Eat a well-balanced diet. Include more fruits and vegetables, reduce your red meat intake to once per week, have more alcohol free days, drink more water and reduce your sugar intake. All of this combined will result in feeling happier and more energised. To learn more about the how the foods we eat effect our mental health, click here.

6.      Get a health check. If you feel like you eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly but still feel like there is something else at play, then book a full body health check. To find a health check that might suit you click here, or if you want to find out more about the benefits of health checks click here.

7.      Finally, if you have tried various lifestyle changes and you still feel depressed, then please contact your GP. If you need urgent mental health help, please click here.