How To Beat The January Blues
Now that the excitement of Christmas and New Year is over, January can feel like a challenging month. The days are shorter, nights are longer and it feels much colder. This time is also when many students experience January Blues where feelings of anxiety, loneliness and sadness can take control. There are things you can do to help combat these feelings and positively start the new year. Here are a few tips on how to beat the January Blues:
Beating The January Blues
1. Have a healthy balanced diet
There’s a saying ‘you are what you eat’ and what you eat can make a huge difference to how you feel. We aren’t saying that you shouldn’t have that well-deserved sweet treat or a meal at your favourite restaurant with your friends, but it is important that you eat well. Nutrition plays an important part in your mental well-being. Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet will have a positive impact on your physical health, as well as mood.
2. Take time to exercise
Exercise is a great way to improve your well-being. Not only is it good for your physical health but your mental health too – especially during these winter months. You don’t have to hit the gym 7 days a week or make overly complicated workout routines, it can be as simple as taking a short walk – you can even go with a friend! Any form of exercise will benefit you to beat the January Blues and as a bonus, the release of endorphins will guarantee you will feel amazing afterwards.
A lack of daylight is the reason why many suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) especially when most of the day is spent inside. Don’t let the cold defeat you, grab your shoes and take every opportunity to be outside during the day!
3. Plan things to look forward to
Is it too early to start making plans for the year ahead? Absolutely not! It may feel like your life right now revolves around assignment deadlines and exams, but it is important to remember that time flies and these will be over sooner than you think. We know the thought of this right now can seem premature but having an event or trip to look forward to will have a positive effect on your mindset. So, plan a day out, organise a meal with friends, or book a weekend away after your final exams – you might find that this will be exactly what you need to help fight your January Blues!
4. Make time to talk
Now the days are shorter and colder, you might be tempted to shut yourself away in your room but doing this often, can make you feel lonely. Loneliness at university is common, especially at the beginning and feeling blue can make everything feel like more of a challenge. After the busyness of Christmas, it can feel difficult to reconnect, so we suggest that you take the time to connect with your friends and family. Simply having someone to listen to how you’re feeling will help so pick up the phone or send a text – it’s worth the time and effort to stay connected to those who matter most.
Sometimes, speaking to a friend or family member just might not be enough. If you are struggling and don’t know what to do, it is important not to ignore this. Never feel that you can’t ask for help. Whether that is by using student services at your university or visiting your local GP, we all need help from time to time and there is no shame in asking for help when you need it.
5. Get enough sleep
Did you know that not having enough sleep or even too much sleep can harm your mental health leading you to possibly feel irritable, anxious, and exhausted? You might want to consider reducing screen time in the evenings to allow yourself to switch off and have a better night’s sleep. It is advised that we need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. So say goodnight to TikTok and hello to a good night’s sleep.
Remember this is very common and you are not alone; many people experience the January Blues. It can be particularly challenging at this time of year mentally and physically, but with a plan and with the help of our suggestions above, you can make a huge difference to your mental health.