5 things to do for your mental health this January

The Christmas holidays have come and gone, people are back to school and work, and so “normality” begins again.

You might find yourself feeling a bit flat at this time of year. This can be due to:

• The comedown of Christmas as the festivities end
• Finding it hard going back to work and routine after some time off
• Financial difficulties after the festive period
• The weather, as it’s often cold and dark
• Feeling pressure of new year resolutions

If you find this month tough, it’s important to look after yourself. Here’s 5 things you can do that may help.

1. Make the most of the daylight hours

Though the sun goes down around 4pm, it’s really important that we make the most of it at this time of year. Whether that’s a quick walk round the block on your lunch break, or a stroll along the beach with family or friends, getting outside can make all the difference.

2. Eat well

Due to us not getting much sunlight at this time of year, you might find yourself feeling tired and groggy. Fuel your body with healthy meals full of fruits and vegetables to give you a boost. To make it easier, try planning your meals at the beginning of each week, and do your food shop around that. You could also consider taking a vitamin D supplement until March/April, until our bodies can produce enough from the sun again.

3. Cut down on alcohol

Many of us will enjoy a drink or two over the festive period, so it can be a good idea to cut down or try doing Dry January. If you’re feeling stressed or down, reaching for a drink can actually make you feel worse. Limiting your alcohol intake can improve your sleep and ultimately your mental health, while also being kinder to your bank balance.

4. Plan and stick to a budget

If you’re worried about money after all the expenses of Christmas, try sticking to a budget. There are templates of these you can download for free online (see this link from Money Saving Expert). Seeing how much you have to spend and where it’s all going may help.

5. Spend time with family and friends

A lot of us could do with a pick me up in January, so why not schedule in some time with the people you care about. It doesn’t even have to cost any money – going for a walk or inviting them round for a coffee could do just the trick.

If you’re struggling to cope, don’t go it alone, reach out and get support. We are here, we listen.