January is often thought of as the most depressing month of the year, variables such as weather conditions, debt, the end of Christmas, failed New Years’ resolutions, going back to work and low motivation levels all contribute to depression. It is inarguable that this time of year can leave the most upbeat of us feeling flat. So, what can we do to help ourselves get through this month?
First, it’s not unusual to feel down at this time of year. And there are some practical things you can do which may help….
- Do things that you know make you happy. Making time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy or spending time with people you like can boost your mood.
- Eat healthily and get plenty of sleep and exercise. Try to get out in the light. January blues are compounded by the lack of daylight. It’s dark when you leave the house in the morning, and it’s dark when you leave work in the evening. Daylight lifts the mood, even if the sun is behind the clouds, so make sure to leave your desk at lunchtime and get outside.
- Identify what’s worrying you. If you have specific things that are making you feel anxious or sad, make a list and add possible solutions. If a solution is “ask someone for help”, do it. Writing things down helps. Paying attention to how you’re feeling and talking about your problems with someone you trust is important.
- Build friendships. Strong friendships are important for good mental health, so talk to your friends and share how you’re feeling. For men in particular, maintaining strong friendships and talking is crucial as men are less likely to turn to their peers for emotional support as they reach middle age.
- Make time to be a friend to others. If there are people you know who may be going through a tough time showing you care and listening could be a lifeline.
- Remind yourself that it’s ok to feel down and despite what social media tells us, most people are not living picture postcard lives. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed. It’s how we acknowledge and manage these feelings that’s important. We need to create a culture where we speak and we share and we solve our problems as humans.
