2021 is finally over and 2022 is here! 2021 has surely been a tough one for almost all of us. The pandemic, slow business, lost jobs, lost opportunities, and some broken relationships. What’s even worse is that we are in a new year and January/holiday Blues have kicked in.
This is a time in our lives where we always hear ‘happy new year’ greetings all around. Or is the ‘happy new year’ cliche a way of cheering us up?
January Blues is an actual condition. It is a form of situational depression as explained by Rosemary Sword, a therapist. It is brought about by the emotional shift from the holiday mood to the normal work or school routine. We usually feel some kind of anxiety and depression.
Causes of January/holiday Blues
- The holiday season is finally over and it is time to go back to our normal lifes.
- Family and friends are not around. The next time you hope to reconnect with them again is during the holidays again!
- Some of us drank and ate like it was the end of the world. While others have gained weight, others are battling withdrawal symptoms from over indulgence in booze.
- Debts might have increased as you needed to have a time of your life that comes once a year.
- Projects or assignments that were meant to be done over the long holiday are probably not started or finished.
- It is time to set new year resolutions that seem more like a fairy tale.
Do not worry too much, January Blues happen even to the best of humans. What’s important is to understand that it is a phase of life that has to take its course. It may last days or even weeks.
Well, here is a guide to help you deal with January Blues.
- Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a state of mind where you are able to tell exactly what you are feeling and sensing without being hard on yourself. This is a great way to put your mind at ease and live for the moment. You will be able to stop or block negative thoughts and daydreaming.
No matter how determined we may be to work on something, our minds often veer off. When you are able to put your mind and energy on a task, anxiety about the future and thoughts of the past will have no space.
- Connect with Nature
Humans are one with nature. Take a walk and be conscious of what nature has to offer. Watch a river flow, listen to birds chirping, watch the sunset or listen to trees whispering. According to Edward Abbey “Wilderness is not a luxury but necessity of the human spirit”.
- Exercise
There is no doubt that exercise is a solution to feeling lull/down. Exercise not only reduces your risk of getting major illnesses such as diabetes or heart complications, but it also helps improve your mood, energy, self-esteem, and sleep quality.
Go on exercise for at least 30 minutes, and the change will be evident.
- Set Attainable and Realistic Goals
This is not the time to cloud your mind with mega projects. Ease up and set actionable goals. Do not overwhelm your mind, it is already in distress from the holiday buzz. Step by Step! and you will get there. If you had planned to purchase a copier or printer, for instance, go for it, Etech Office Solutions is a great place to get exactly what you need.
Let’s beat these January Blues.