While the first few days of January are filled with new promises, new goals and many a motivational Instagram quote like ‘new year, new me’, the rest of the month can and tends to be a real struggle. It is not a shock that January can be quite a depressing month due to a combination of cold weather, low bank balance, the post-Christmas anti-climax and the fact that the majority of us have banned ourselves from eating anything with sugar in! Nevertheless, today needn’t be depressing. Here are my top tips on how to beat the January blues and keep those spirits high during this month.
Be Grateful
I was recently recommended a meditation app called Deepak Chopra, and now I can’t imagine life without it. I am not one that can sit in silence with my legs crossed for 10 minutes meditating, but this app has allowed me to find 5 minutes in my day to be still and listen to a guided meditation with music. The most recent one I listened to was all about gratitude and kindness, both of which are traits that lead to higher levels of wellbeing. People who are grateful appear to be happier, less stressed and more satisfied with their lives and relationships. So, this January, whether it’s first thing in the morning or just before you fall asleep, why not write down and reflect on three things you are grateful for? You can jot these down in a diary or on your phone, but getting a tangible reminder of gratitude is so important and something I intend to do more of in 2018.
Nourish Your Body
After a solid month of eating and drinking everything and anything in sight, try to feed your body with the nutrients it needs for balanced hormones and optimum health this January. Make an effort to include more Omega-3s and all three macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) in your diet. For instance, incorporate more oily fish such as salmon, as well as nuts, flaxseeds and avocado. It is also good at this time of year to up your intake of leafy vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water to detox the system. I have decided to do ‘meat-free’ January, and so far so good – I am loving it! I have more energy this first week then I have had in a long time, so I definitely recommend trying it.
Be Active
Exercise is crucial to keep both your body and mind happy and healthy. All exercise – whether a Pilates class or a HIIT session – releases the happy hormone ‘serotonin’, which will leave you on a natural high and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at you. No one ever regretted a workout right? If you’re lacking motivation, why not try something new? I would recommend trying out a barre class at Xtend Barre or The BoxxMethod’s at-home boxing sessions! I have just started training at Sweatroom and am loving my PT sessions with Lauren!
Plan Ahead
Planning is one of my favourite things to do – I am such a planner, sometimes too much so! But January can be a long old boring month sometimes, so instead of losing motivation, why not make it easier by planning for the year ahead? Research holiday locations, book a weekend away with a loved one or even arrange a small dinner party with friends? I have a family trip booked to Thailand in June which I am already so looking forward to, and I am in the process of finding a great city break deal for my birthday in April. Having things to look forward to will help keep you motivated and feeling positive about the year ahead.
Be Social
Although it’s tempting to hibernate in bed during January, studies have shown even a small amount of socialising can be beneficial to our psychological wellbeing. So be sure to catch up with friends – this could be at the gym, or over brunch, or for a few drinks one evening. While it may no longer be the party season, make an effort to catch up with those you may not have seen over the Christmas holidays, it can be the best kind of mood booster!
Re-Assess Your Goals
My last post of 2017 was about ‘goal setting’ and the ways in which I set goals and stick to them – if you haven’t seen it you can check it out here. It is always a good idea to remind yourself of your goals and re-assess them in January to stay motivated. I keep my list in my notes on my phone and also write them down in the first page of my planner. This allows me to refer back to them every month and tick off or amend things as the year unfolds.
I hope this list helps you to stay happy, healthy and motivated this month and sets you up for a wonderful and fulfilled year ahead.
Olivia x