January is such a complicated month. On one hand, it is the month where we are the most hopeful; ready to take on the new year and hit those goals we just set.
On the other hand, the post-holiday rush hits us as we settle into our pre-holiday life routines and this common mood shift is known as the "January Blues." For our part of the country it also includes (usually) colder temperatures and limited daylight hours & more time spent inside.
But the January Blues don't have to cast a shadow over the recent holiday season. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, January can seem either a blessing or a curse, so pay attention to your social battery and find ways to get back out there or take time for self-care.
We have created a list of 5 simple ways to help you tackle the stress & sadness of January.
5 Ways to Recharge After the Holidays
Start by setting boundaries - after a season of prioritizing everyone else & your family activities, now is the time to look after yourself.
Get back into a sleep schedule - after the busy-ness of the holidays you nee to re-set and get back to proper sleep schedule. 8-10 hours is what you should aim for.
Take care of your gut - we know how important gut health is and the stress & foods from the holidays can wreck havoc on your digestive health.
Practice being still - this is a rejuvenating activity for both mind & body.
Set goals or intentions - these can be big or small. The benefit of completing a task is so rewarding.
You have a choice on how January can play out; you can sit around & complain about how cold or dark it is ..... or you can pull up your boot straps and tackle it head on.
Here is our Top 10 Things to do in January:
Enjoy a day off to start the year and do nothing.
Take advantage of the Boxing Week/End of year sales.
Organize a room in your house this month.
Tidy up your medicine cabinet.
Purge your closet and wardrobe.
Schedule a physical.
Clean out your pantry or fridge.
List things for sale and donate the rest.
Plan a date with your partner or a friend.
Get your tax stuff together
Check out The Spruce's article on 31 Reasons to Celebrate in January You like popcorn? Jan 19th is your day to celebrate. You like to take bubble baths? Jan 8th is your day. A fun way to help pass the days of the coldest, darkest month.
I hope that you found a thing or two here to spark you and help you enjoy the first month of 2024.
Do you have other ways to stay productive in the first month of the year so that the rest of it can run smoothly? Let us know in the comments.
Here's to a happy & healthy 2024 for all of us!