Shaking Off Those Winter Blues
By Hellofreckles
@tashajsteel
January is said to be the saddest month of the year, particularly today - Blue Monday. I guess I can see why; Christmas has been and gone, you leave the previous year behind and embrace the unknown. Perhaps you're now wondering why you've not stuck to those new years resolutions you set out, all determined on January 1st, and now a couple weeks later you're still eating that chocolate, haven't stepped foot in the gym, or maybe haven't even sent that message to catch up with an old friend. Whatever it is, we all have those down days and here's what I do when I'm feeling a bit blue.
Get Outside/ActiveWhether you're going for a run, a walk or even for a drive. If you can get outside somewhere, then do it. Hit up the gym and get those endorphins going, or at this time of year, wrap up and go for a brisk walk in the park, or along the beach and get some fresh air.
Have A CuppaNow if you don't like tea/coffee/hot chocolate then substitute this (within reason) but I genuinely do think a cuppa can really help. It's especially nice if someone offers to make one for you, so if you notice a colleague/friend/family member looking a bit upset, make sure you extend the offer back. They'll appreciate it! That being said, it's nice to offer sometimes anyway, so do think before you run off to the kitchen alone.
Have A BathYou need bubbles. Lots of 'em. It's helpful if you've got a supply of Lush bath bombs and bubble bars to choose from, but if not, good ol' bubble bath will do. If you want to add candles and a book to really chill out - you do it, even if it's 2 in the afternoon and you've already showered that morning! I'm typically a shower person, but every now and then it's good to run a bath, pop a face mask on and relax.
Music/TV/FilmThere's no quicker way to boost your mood than listening to your favorite songs. If you wanna listen to Spice Girls and dance around, or rap along with Kanye, go for it! Alternatively if watching a few episodes of Friends, or reciting the entirety of Anchorman or 21 Jump Street (other TV shows and films are available) will make you smile, then get the DVDs/Netflix on!
Talk To SomeonePick up the phone and call one of your close mates, or even pop out to see them. Whatever it is that's bugging you, even if it seems so trivial, have a chat and get it out. They say a problem shared is a problem halved and I guess to some extent I do believe that. Appreciate your support networks in whatever form they come; friends, family, colleagues etc.
TidyIf I'm feeling stressed about something, I like to tidy. Somehow de-cluttering can clear my mind, so simple things like reorganising my makeup bag, or sorting my wardrobe can work wonders. Making sure everything's folded up, all my jeans are together, my shirts are hung up in the right order (i.e. I don't have a white shirt between a denim one and a checked one) not only calms me down and takes my mind off things, but lets me rediscover items I've forgotten I've bought, or not worn in a while.
So there you have my top suggestions for ways to boost your mood when you're feeling a bit blue. Sometimes no matter what you do, you can't shake the funk and when that happens I find I just need a good night's sleep to hit reset and wake up seeing things a bit differently. What do you do when you're feeling a bit down/stressed?