Are you among the many who woke up this morning and didn't find themselves magically transformed into a motivated, committed super-doer? I can assure you you are not alone. It is quite common for people to overestimate how awesome they will feel in the New Year. It's a bit of a trick we play on ourselves: we postpone taking action until tomorrow, next Monday, when the warm weather comes, on our birthday, and most commonly, next year. Essentially, it's procrastination. The purpose of this series is to help you quit doing that.
If you're not experiencing the blues yet, be on the lookout for them. The "January Blues" are characterized by feelings of sadness, lethargy, or demotivation that many of us feel after the holiday season, particularly in January. One reason for this is failed New Year's resolutions and other factors, including:
Post-Holiday Letdown: After the excitement and busyness of the holiday season, returning to a regular routine can feel anticlimactic and mundane.
Financial Stress: Overspending during the holidays can lead to financial strain in January, contributing to stress and anxiety.
Cold and Dark Weather: In many parts of the world, January is characterized by shorter daylight hours and colder temperatures, which can negatively affect mood.
Lack of Social Activities: The festive season is often filled with social gatherings, and the comparative lack of social events in January can lead to loneliness or isolation.
Here are some strategies you can adopt to combat the Jan Blues:
Establish a Routine: A regular schedule can provide structure and a sense of normalcy, helping to mitigate feelings of aimlessness.
Stay Active: Physical activity is a proven mood booster. Engaging in regular exercise, even something as simple as daily walks, can positively impact mental health.
Set Realistic Goals: Instead of ambitious New Year’s resolutions, set smaller, achievable goals to foster a sense of accomplishment.
Socialize: Stay connected with friends and family. Social interaction, even virtual, can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Budget Management: If financial stress is a concern, creating a budget for the new year can help regain control of finances.
Seek Sunlight and Fresh Air: Exposure to natural light and outdoor exposure can improve mood and energy levels.
Practice Mindfulness and Self-care: Activities like meditation, yoga, or simply dedicating time to relax and enjoy hobbies can be beneficial.
Healthy Eating: Maintaining a balanced diet can improve well-being and energy levels.
Last but not least is SLEEP. The latest science indicates that if we could only choose 1 thing to fix, sleep would have the greatest impact on our overall well-being. This will kick off a deeper dive into Deep Health and how this supports us in whatever we are up to in life.
I am also sharing an insightful blog post I received this morning titled "A New Year, A New Misunderstanding" that inspired this post. Here's an excerpt: "So you are free to create each day as a “new year” if you find that empowering and workable. Or you could drop the year/month/week - except for scheduling - and live each day as if it is new - since it is. And if each day is new - a blank piece of paper - then you are free to create." Click link below to read.
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