It’s that time of year when we all go about our daily lives pretending to be okay – but I think the truth of the matter is, a lot of us are suffering with our own internal battles.
In the UK, it’s that time of year after the festive season when it’s still cold outside, the weather is somewhat undesirable, the nights are drawing in from sometimes as early as 3pm and our purse strings are feeling the pinch after the festivities of Xmas and New Year. It’s no wonder January is deemed to be the most depressing month of the year. Typically the third Monday of the month has even been renamed as Blue Monday! So what can we do about it?! Find below five practical tips on how to keep holding on to a positive mind set without breaking the bank.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way of becoming part of your local community that is focusing on social issues outside of yourself and contributing to fantastic causes. If you can spare even a couple of hours a week, then there are some fantastic charities that you can work with. As well as benefiting other causes, it really helps to give you a sense of perspective for your own struggles as well. Whilst volunteering generally doesn’t pay you, it is something that you can do for free that will help you feel a sense of positive accomplishment and who knows what those opportunities may lead to in the future.
Click here for some excellent opportunities in the UK and here for some amazing volunteering opportunities internationally.
Self-care
When we feel down, it’s very easy to neglect our own needs. Sometimes all we might feel like doing is hiding under the duvet. Whilst one day of pure self-indulgent rest is not a bad thing, more than that can be quiet damaging to self-esteem and motivation.
So whether it is cooking a nutritious meal, having a hot bath (if you’re lucky enough to have one!) going for a walk or run in the daylight every day, taking your vitamins or doing something that you enjoy such as drawing, painting or knitting, make sure you are doing one thing every day to take care of yourself. This will really help boost your mental state as well.
Exercise
This was touched upon briefly in the Self-Care section. But to re-iterate; you cannot underestimate the importance of exercise in boosting your mood and releasing those endorphins. If you can’t afford a gym membership, there are plenty of other alternatives to daily exercise to suit all levels.
From going for a stroll in a local park, to going for a jog or run, to You Tube videos in your own home (space permitting!). I highly recommend clicking here for @thebodycoach Joe Wick’s workouts on You Tube for high intensity workouts leaving you feeling vitalised and ready to face the world – they can also be done pretty much anywhere, result!
Stay connected
In today’s fast paced world with so many different online social media options, it’s easy to forget you maybe haven’t physically seen or actually spoken to anyone at all week. Make sure that at least once a week you are connecting with friends/family or even strangers. Pick up the phone and maybe have a chat to someone who doesn’t live near you or alternatively arrange meet ups locally with friends or family. In addition, have a chat to the staff in local shops, or on public transport or at the library. It’s funny, but sometimes a cheery hello from someone you don’t know can really lift your mood. It’s so easy to forget the simplicity of human connection in today’s culture, but it is really important and one of the key 7 human needs. You can read more about the other 6 here where Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is explained in a bit more detail.
Set positive focus
Whilst goal setting and setting New Year’s resolutions doesn’t work for everyone, defining positive focus is a definite winner!
Pick one area of your life that you want to make an improvement on. List all the things you would like to experience in this area of your life. Really think about how this will make you feel. Hold on to that feeling. Then set a date where you will be able to commit to doing just one thing to move you closer to those positive changes within this area in your life. Don’t forget the way you want that to make you feel. Make sure to continue making small steps regularly that over a longer period of time will help you make the larger desired changes within that area of your life.
DO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROLONGED PERIODS OF SADNESS OR DEPRESSION.