Defeat January Blues
What is January Blues?
January Blues are a real thing. There is a real lack of positivity in the New Year and it affects numerous people. The feeling may only last a few weeks, but it can be a struggle to pull yourself out of the slump. It’s tough to keep yourself motivated. Working the energy to get out of bed is a daily fight with the covers. If you’re feeling like this, don’t worry. January Blues are a real thing and the month is soon to be over.
Why do you feel so down?
There are several reasons why the beginning of the year is a tough time for people.
- The holiday season is over, and everyone is back to work. Anything festive has gone and it’s all back to normal. There’s nothing to look forward to
- You’ll probably have spent a lot of time with family and friends over Christmas. Now it’s over you’re not seeing them as often/at all
- After all the food and alcohol you consumed, you may have put on some additional weight. The extra pounds make you feel sluggish
- It’s winter. The days are short. It’s cold. There’s a lot of rain. How can anyone be happy about that?
- The New Year’s Resolutions you’ve made could be hard to stick to. Not being able to follow your plan can affect your sense of self-worth
- You may not have achieved everything you wanted to last year. Again, you could feel down because you feel like you haven’t accomplished anything noteworthy
How can you improve your mood?
There are many things you can do to boost your mood in the cold month of January. Read our blog on Fun Things to do at Work for some ideas. We also have a blog on how to keep a Positive Attitude at Work to ensure you have a good mental attitude. Here are a few other suggestions:
- Recall all the positive things you’ve done in the past
- Plan some self-improvement projects
- Take time for self-care
- Be more sociable
- Get out in nature
- Enjoy your favourite food
- Call a friend or family member
- Complete random acts of kindness
National Compliment Day
A compliment can be given anywhere and by any means. It could be in a note, an email, or just in conversation. Not only does it make people feel good when they receive them, it also makes people feel good when giving them. Having something nice said to you can boost your mood and thus improve your motivation and performance. Show people you appreciate them and drop some praise into your next conversation. Remember to say it sincerely.
Examples:
- You have a great sense of humour
- I really like your [item of clothing]
- You’re so clever
- You always make me smile
Accepting a Compliment
Accepting a compliment can be a challenge for some people.
There are no written rules for this social contact so it’s difficult to decide how to react to someone once they’ve complimented you. Generally, a simple “thank you” will suffice. Try not to be vain about it, and don’t try and argue their point. Appreciate the compliment then move on.
National Hugging Day
If you really want to go the extra mile, boost your buddy with a hug. A hug can be used as a greeting, for gratitude or as an expression of affection. It can be anything from an enthusiastic squeeze to a warm embrace. They are a great, non-verbal way to express your feelings when words don’t quite cut it. There are many benefits of hugging so you should welcome them with open arms.
Hugging Benefits
A hug can be hugely effective! They have been scientifically proven to lift our spirits and make us happy. During a hug, our bodies release serotonin and dopamine which reduces tension and stress. A hug can therefore improve our health because if we’re feeling stressed, our immune system is often lowered, making us more susceptible of getting sick. They are also known to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
Socially Awkward?
If you don’t want to hug another human, cuddling pets can have the same benefits. If your company allows Pets at the Workplace then take advantage of this fact. Bring your own furry friend into work, or find someone who does.
Spend time with these animals and you're bound to feel better.