As we enter 2022, many of us begin the quest to fulfil resolutions and take on new responsibilities emerging this year. Whilst we are no stranger to frosty mornings and early alarm clocks, maintaining our good intentions for the year ahead can often prove to be rather challenging. So if you’re feeling the January slump, look no further than our ‘beat-the-blues’ guide to help boost your happiness and sense of wellbeing this year.
1. Indulge in a self-care ritual
Where in the day do you set time aside for yourself? Everyone deserves a break and a little pamper goes a long way! Scheduling time for yourself has great benefits on the mind and body by helping to relieve stress and allows you time to process your thoughts.
A great way to unwind is by indulging in a warm bath accompanied by either a great book or your favourite music. Listening to music increases endorphins which in turn helps to lift your mood. Did you know singing lyrics improves your attention, memory and concentration? Getting stuck into a great book helps with stress reduction, and offers a sense of escapism to allow for a moment of self-care and an emotional break.
Level up your bath with candles and relaxing scents to enrich your senses and soothe your body after a long day... Go on, pamper yourself!
Cosy up in the Helena mules after your evening of relaxing self-care rituals.
2. Venture outside and declutter your home
It’s no secret that fresh air is beneficial for your wellbeing and mental health, a lunch-time stroll in the park or a revitalising morning run are both great ways to elevate your mood and help clear your mind. Venturing outside is the first step towards your well-being, it makes you feel energised as you get your adrenaline going and can help improve sleep.
The ideal pair to wear during light exercise.
Why not take this opportunity to tap into some outside hobbies? Self-care means doing things that you enjoy, whether it be planting a new vegetable patch in the garden or tending to the flowers. When you ‘get in the zone’ you improve productivity and can gain a great sense of achievement following the completion of a personal project. Take this inside too and declutter your space, after all, ‘a tidy house is a tidy mind,’ and cleaning can be therapeutic, resulting in a stress-free and welcoming home environment.
3. Practice gratitude and positive thinking
Reflecting on the small things you are grateful for each day can promote joy and lessen stress. Keeping a journal can be handy to keep track of your mental health and noting down what you are grateful for each day is a great way to reflect on yourself and makes you feel more present.
Expressive writing is a game changer for planning and achieving goals and it is a useful stress reliever to help you unwind. As you jot thoughts and feelings down in black and white, it clears your mind and stops overthinking, this helps you become less stress, anxious or overwhelmed. What’s more, journaling aids positive thinking and boosts your memory too!
4. Plan feel-good activities to look forward to
Staying organised is the key to staying on track, anticipating planned events gives you something to look forward to, making you feel positive and excited for what’s to come.
Whether it’s a movie-marathon night in with your close friends or a wholesome meet up with your family, what’s better than re-connecting with others and enjoying their company. Take it as an opportunity to limit time on your phone and speak to those closest to you about what’s on your mind, this can help you see things from a different perspective.
Incorporating these small mindful moments into your day can help focus your mind on the present and allow you to take some time to focus on your mental health. Acts of self-care, gratitude and kindness are some of the ways you can introduce positive daily habits into your life and help boost your mood. Make the most out of January and see it as an opportunity for some self-reflection on the road to a happier, healthier you!