January is the cruellest month: An honest mum’s guide on how to get through it

January is the cruellest month
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Let’s be real – January is the cruellest month don’t you think? As the twinkling lights of December fade away, many of us find ourselves facing the daunting reality of this bleak month and a sense of post-holiday emptiness. For the majority of us, January can be a challenging chapter in the book of the new year so I wanted to share some down-to-earth ways to beat those winter blues and emerge stronger on the other side. But first a closer look at why January is the cruellest month:

Post-Holiday Blues

The excitement and joy of the holiday season in December create a stark contrast with the return to routine in January. The end of holiday festivities can lead to a sense of letdown or post-holiday blues leaving you feeling totally flat and unmotivated.

Weather Conditions

In many parts of the world (hello UK and US readers!!!), January is characterized by depressingly cold temperatures, gloomy weather, and shorter days. These all make perfect conditions for a little bit of Seasonal affective disorder to add to the feeling of melancholy during the winter months.

Financial Pressures

SKINT!!!! Expenses incurred during the holiday season, combined with the anticipation of upcoming financial responsibilities such as taxes (ARGHHHH!), contribute to stress and anxiety in January.

New Year’s Resolutions

The pressure to set ambitious New Year’s resolutions and the potential challenges in maintaining them can create a sense of overwhelm and disappointment if goals are not met. SKIP!!!!!

Return to Work and Routine

Back to school, back to work, back to routine. And we are expected to all just instantly shift from zero to hero! Which results in copious amounts of….pain.

January Is The Cruellest Month: It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Let’s start by embracing the honesty that comes with admitting January is the cruellest month for many. It’s okay not to feel the same bubbly energy that December brought. The gameplan has now changed! Give yourself permission to feel a little blue, pretty slow and lethargic and remember that you’re not alone in navigating these post-holiday emotions. We are all feeling this – we’re only human!

Embrace the Hygge Lifestyle: Cozy Up Your Space

Combat the cruelty of January by fully embracing the Danish concept of “hygge.” Create a cozy haven within your home with soft blankets, warm lighting, and your fave winter scents. When it’s grey and bleak outside, adding some indoor plants to bring a touch of nature indoors can help. At this time of year, it’s about transforming your living space into a sanctuary where you can find solace and comfort during the cold, dark days.

Get Moving: Exercise Your Way to Positivity

While the cruel cold might make you want to hibernate, resist the temptation to stay sedentary. Incorporate movement into your routine, whether it’s a brisk winter walk, an online workout class squeezed in somewhere for 10 minutes, or a crazy dance session in the living room with kids. Exercise releases those feel-good endorphins that can elevate your mood and help beat the January blues. If you find it challenging to motivate yourself, consider joining a virtual fitness class or partnering with a friend for accountability.

Connect with Loved Ones: Beat the Isolation

Combat the cruelty of isolation of this month of hibernation by reaching out to friends and family and making plans. Schedule catch-ups, organize a cozy movie night, or plan a cheap and cheerful curry night. Social connections are so important at this time of year and provide a sense of warmth and community during the colder months. Offload your mood with loved ones; chances are, they’re feeling exactly the same!

Set Realistic Goals: Start Small and Build Momentum

Rather than succumbing to the cruelty of overwhelming resolutions (pointless, let’s face it!), start small. Break down your goals into manageable tasks that you can tackle one step at a time. Celebrate the little victories along the way and build momentum gradually. Consider creating a vision board to visualize your goals and aspirations for the year or chalk up a fun bucketlist of things you’d like to do. This visual reminder can serve as a source of motivation during the challenging days of January.

Let There Be Light: Beat the Winter Darkness

Combat the cruelty of reduced daylight hours by maximizing exposure to natural light. Open your curtains during the day, take short walks outdoors when the sun is shining, and consider investing in a light therapy lamp (my saviour!). These lamps mimic natural sunlight and can significantly improve mood and energy levels, helping you beat the January blues. If possible, plan activities that allow you to soak in natural sunlight, such as getting out for a walk or bike ride, or spending time in a nearby park.

Indulge in Self-Care: Prioritize Your Well-Being

Amidst the cruelty of January, prioritize self-care to nurture your physical and mental well-being. Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s a long bath, a pampering skincare routine, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritize self-care to rejuvenate your mind and body. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s a necessity. This is the time to make the most of the slowness of January!

Plan for Brighter Days: Cultivate Hope for the Future

As January progresses, shift your focus from the current winter blues to the promise of brighter days ahead. Plan activities that you can look forward to, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a creative project, an Easter holiday or planting the seeds for spring gardening. Cultivating hope and things to look forward to in the future can be a powerful antidote to the January blues, reminding you that the cold, dark days are only temporary. Or as I like to keep reminding myself….Spring will be here before we know it!

Explore New Hobbies: Beat Boredom

Combat the January blues by exploring new hobbies that ignite your passion. Whether it’s learning a new language, trying your hand at some creative, or simply trying out some new recipes or a different type of workout, engaging in creative pursuits can add excitement to an otherwise very dreary and tired feeling routine. Consider joining online classes or local clubs to connect with like-minded individuals and make the process more enjoyable.

Practice Mindfulness: Find Peace Amidst the Chaos

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, one thing that can give you great comfort during this depressing month is finding moments of peace. This can include meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or simply taking a few minutes each day to be present in the moment or journalling. Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to alleviate stress and foster a positive mindset, helping you navigate the challenges of the cruellest month with resilience.

Reflect and Reset: Beat Overwhelm

Take advantage of the quieter moments January offers to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Journaling can be a therapeutic way to express your thoughts and emotions, providing clarity and helping you navigate the uncertainty that comes with the beginning of the year. Use this time to identify areas of growth, set realistic goals, and envision the kind of year you want to create and what you’d like to welcome into your life.

Summing up, I want you to know that while January may be the cruellest month, it’s also an opportunity for growth, reflection, and self-discovery. It does take a bit of mind power to flip January on its head, but trying some of the above can help to navigate the cruelty of January with a newfound sense of purpose. Remember, brighter days are just around the corner, and Spring will be here in no time at all……

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