I’ll be honest, January and I have a rocky relationship. One minute we’re deeply in love and the next we really don’t like each other very much at all. It can be a beautiful month full of opportunity and excitement or one that leaves us feeling a little deflated and unsure. What with the chilly weather and dark evenings it can be all too easy to slip into hibernation mode and never leave.
So how to move out of the darkness of deflated January and into the light of opportunity and excitement?
As a naturally sun seeking person I have had to learn how to make the most of the darker end of the year and I thought I would pass on some of my tips that help to make January a little brighter.
Make plans
I most feel like hibernating post Christmas, but I know from experience this rarely actually does me much good unless there is a clear aim while I hide away. This is why I try to make plans more during the dark winter months. These don’t need to be anything fancy. Maybe dinner or drinks with friends, a trip to a museum or just planning a nice weekend walk. Nothing super expensive but something in the diary to look forward to. This year one of these was heading to a candle making workshop with friends and that really brightened the first week of January
Get outside
It’s a cliche I know but getting nay sort of fresh air and daylight in the winter is a winner. Plan that weekend walk or if that’s not possible then hop off the bus or tube a stop early and walk a little bit of your commute or take a wander out of the office at lunchtime
Listen to something inspiring
We all know that podcasts are the new thing but has your listening become a little stale or you fancy giving something new a listen to? Maybe even on that lunchtime walk?
These are some of my absolute favourites
Under the Skin – Russell Brand – always chatting to incredible people and great for learning something new
The Little Chapters – Jessica Rose Williams – a brilliant look on living a simpler life and everything that means
Happy Place – Fearne Cotton – I have loved every episode of this podcast and it is one of my go to podcasts in the car. Uplifting, fascinating life stories
Conversations of Inspiration – Holly Tucker – aimed at the small business community but I think this is an amazing listen for anyone. Brilliant stories from founders of businesses about the challenges and triumphs of life
Hashtag Authentic – Sara Tasker – look at life through authenticity. Beautiful interviews with people like Laura Thompson, Hannah Bullivant and Farrah Storr all about they are living authentically and carving out their niche in the world
If I Can Do It – Bryony Gordon – the fabulous Bryony Gordon once again opening the floor to those with amazing stories of courage and overcoming adversity to achieve
Give yourself a break
January can be one of those months where you feel like you need to be achieving everything even if you don’t feel up to it. Be honest with how you feel and go with that feeling. If you feel like you need to take the beginning of the year slowly then do, it’ll feel better than battling against your instinct. The same goes for resolutions, if you made one and are already struggling question why you’re struggling. Is the goal a big one and needs breaking down? Or maybe it’s something that is going to take a while to stick. Maybe come at that resolution from a different angle. Be kind to yourself and change the way you look at that goal and see if it makes a difference.
Make a list of little things you enjoy doing
This can be an absolute saviour on those dark nights and is one of my absolute favourite ways to snap out of just climbing onto the sofa and endlessly scrolling. Make a list of the little things you enjoy doing and use them as a cue sheet when your brain isn’t quite up to par. These will be personal to us all, maybe movement, maybe a book you love, maybe a favourite meal to make or bake, maybe just making the time to chat to someone on the phone but a list that you can slowly tick off making the day a little brighter.
Set a word for the year….not a resolution
If you could sum up what you would love to achieve this year in one word what would it be? Not a resolution. Not a goal
Just a word, have a think, write it down and use it as a place to come back to
Mine? Well last year it was bravery and this is year its connection….
I hope that helps lighten January a little bit. I would love to know what you think, your tips and maybe even your word. Pop a note in the comments if you feel like it