Though the formula used to decide which day was the worst of the year turned out to be bogus, the reasons for January blues, in general, seem sound: "the Christmas glow has faded away, New Year’s resolutions have been broken, cold Winter weather has set in and credit card bills will be landing on doormats across the land – whilst the January pay check may still be some way away." And for those who get winter blues every year, January is often one of the hardest months, along with February. So let's talk about how to lessen January blues... 
Do you get winter blues each year, too? It starts in the fall for me, but the winter months are the most difficult, followed by March when it seems like it should be over, but isn't yet. Though the worst winter depressions are likely to need medical or therapeutic intervention, here are a few things you can do on your own... (1) Surround yourself with light - if you can actually get outside for half an hour of sunshine, please do. But a light box may help, too. I use mine every day. I also light candles & hang up fairy lights to add even more light coming my way. (2) Do something hygge - wrap yourself up in something warm and cozy, have a hot cup of cocoa, or a big cup of tea. Watch a family movie with the kids, or plan one for when you get home from work. (3) Have a day of Christmas - play "Christmastime is Here" and make Christmas cookies. Wear red, and watch a Christmas movie. (4) Dance - moving physically can sometimes help you change the way you feel emotionally, just long enough to create a shift that will last all day. I have friend who dance for 15 minutes when they first get up and they tell me it helps a lot. (5) Eat carbs - many people are missing serotonin in the winter, and find that carbohydrates may help to replace it. Plan a potato-based meal. Sweet potatoes with marshmallows on top may feel like a special treat. (6) Laugh - search YouTube or Netflix for your favorite comedian and watch 15 minutes or so, at a time, throughout the day. Here's my 7th suggestion for feeling better today. Every time I think about him, and listen to that speech, I am moved by it, proud of the work he did in the world, and happy to know that our world, imperfect as it is, is nonetheless forever changed because of him. Love, Jeanine It's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Watch the "I Have a Dream" Speech
12 Comments
1/21/2019 10:01:08 am
I don't get the January Blues. I may not have made it to the 'mountain top' but my eyes see clearly. 1/21/2019 01:55:04 pm
All you ideas are valuable, Jeanine! (I might overdose on the carb one, though. ;-) So not so good for me. ) 1/21/2019 10:29:54 pm
Yes, he is delightfully funny! Well, I know what you mean about carbs, which to me has meant I can't make it my entire plan because that would mean more than I need. :) 1/21/2019 05:01:19 pm
Some great tips. I'd not realised it was Blue Monday until well into the evening. I've actually had a really nice day, glad I didn't waste it worrying about it being a sad one 1/21/2019 10:30:46 pm
I'm glad, too! For most of us, it's not just one day, but for some, this month might be hardest.
I have to say, I love your blog. Your posts themselves have a cosy quality to them, and they've become part of my evening hygge time: Drink rooibos, watch the kids play before bed, read Meet Jeanine. It's pretty great. 1/22/2019 06:01:13 pm
Thank you, Daria!! And what kind words about my blog. I really appreciate that. And yes, I say use the light box. It really has made all the difference in the world for me! 1/22/2019 06:02:09 pm
Thanks, Martha! I can see how looking at pictures of people you love could help when you're feeling blue. 1/22/2019 06:02:52 pm
Thanks, Vidya! I find the same, that no matter how I am feeling, dancing makes me feel even happier. Leave a Reply. |
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