January Blues

Inclement weather, sad bank account, exams, few daylight hours, a little tubby, unfit.....yes friends, it's that depressing time of year again-January. I imagine that we are all suffering the same blues this month after the joys and festivities of Christmas. Therefore we are all in need of something good and cheerful to look forward to, here I propose to you a simple 10 trick wonder list into making this start of the year the best one yet.

1. Smile

The old mantra rings true. The more you smile the happier you will feel. Pass on the good feeling to cheer people up this January. And once you feel better you will feel empowered to tackle anything the world throws at you :)

2. Me time

Set aside a night for yourself each week and relax. Take time out from the world. Turn off your phone. My choice for you is to treat yourself to a nice tranquil bath. Set some candles up, drizzle in some lavender oil, and immerse inside in some hot bubbly water and allow your mind to drift away to some peaceful place.

3. Plan

Give yourself something nice to look forward to. Maybe you've got a holiday on the cards, or a friends birthday coming up. Make some lists, do some research and prepare for it to be awesome. Then whenever you're feeling glum, you know that there's something good on the horizon.

4. Tidy

It may sound strange, but having a good thorough tidy/clean up of your house/desk/car will greatly improve your mood. You'll feel very productive and satisfied afterwards and may even find some long lost goody/money down the back of the sofa!

5. Photos

Find an image that evokes happy memories and good times for you and stick in to a random place that you use everyday. For me, I will put a cute pic of my little sister inside my food cupboard, so everyday when I'm preparing dinner I'll be reminded of her.

6. Write

Yes, write, as in with a paper and pen. Sit down and take the effort to compose a letter. Maybe to a close friend who lives in some distant corner of the earth, maybe a relative who loves to be kept abreast of your life, maybe to yourself in 1 years time. Putting your thoughts to paper will relieve some stress and lighten your troubles.

7. Friends

Organise a girls night in with your friends. Low cost, minimal effort, happy times. Go all out and have a pyjama party watching kids films. You don't have to go out and deal with the weather or plan an outfit! Maybe add in some pedicures and hot chocolates too for the extra feminine touch.

8. Goals

OK so did you make some new years resolutions? Probably yes. Did you write them down? Probably not. Put them down on paper and you are much more likely to achieve them. Have them next to your door so you see them everyday. What's more, write down a reward for yourself upon achieve them, it will get you greater determination.

9. Go the extra mile

Do something selfless everyday, purely for the benefit of humanity. Whether it be pointing a lost tourist in the right direction, helping out a colleague in need, picking up that piece of rubbish or putting someone else needs before yous. Believe me, you'll feel a much better person for doing so.

And finally 10. Have a cup of tea

If life is getting too much for you, boil the kettle and take 5 mins out to remember how lucky you are to have a roof over your head, have running water, a bed to sleep in, family and friends that love you very dearly and a life to go out there and live.

What do you do to pick yourself up when you're feeling down? What have you got planned to look forward to?