5 Simple Tips to Stay Positive This January
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During the Winter months, it’s easy for us to feel a bit down. The days are darker and colder, and January can feel like it lasts for months- instead of just 31 days!
It’s even more important to prioritise your mental health in the Winter, finding small ways to stay positive as we enter January.
In this blog post, I’ve put together 5 simple tips to stay positive this January. I hope these ideas can help anyone struggling with their mental health this Winter, especially with Blue Monday coming up soon.
1. Don’t worry about resolutions
Many people put a lot of pressure on January when it comes to implementing new habits and putting key resolutions in place. However, this January, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to achieve all of your goals straight away.
You can still set yourself resolutions, but be realistic. For example, if you want to go to the gym everyday, but you miss a couple of days- don’t beat yourself up. Regular habits take time!
This is a simple, practical way to stay positive this January. You could even set yourself yearly goals, giving yourself more time to implement new habits into your routine.
2. Practice mindfulness
I recently wrote a post all about practising mindfulness. Staying mindful is an important tool to reduce stress and look after your mental health, at any time of the year.
Mindfulness can also help you gain a bit of perspective and practice slow living if things are getting a bit much this January.
Even just learning a few basic breathing techniques is a great way to decrease anxiety and get thinking about the good things in life.
3. Spend time with animals
Spending time with animals is a simple way to stay positive this January. I know I always feel happy when I see an adorable little puppy!
Whether you have a family cat or you like to walk your dog in the evening, spending time with animals can help us forget about our problems and stay a little more positive during the Winter months.
From stroking a cat to going for a walk through nature, spending time with animals is a great chance to relax, unwind and de-stress. Pets can even help to reduce loneliness for those living alone during the dark Winter months.
4. Get outside
It can be harder to push ourselves to get outside in January, as the weather isn’t always great- especially here in the UK!
However, it’s important to get outside whenever you need a little boost. Even just a short walk to your local shops will get the endorphins flowing- and it will give you a great chance to get out of the house and out of your own head.
Heading outside can also help you get a bit of much-needed vitamin D, which is super important for your mood during the Winter months.
5. Pour yourself a cup of tea
I know it’s simple, but a cup of tea can solve a lot of problems!
If you’re feeling a bit down this January, chill with friends and enjoy a warming cup of tea. You can discuss your issues and get them out in the open, or just enjoy a comforting hot drink with loved ones when you need it.
Do you have any simple tips to stay positive this January? Let me know in the comments!
Take care everyone x
10 Comments
Coralle
Great tips! I’m going to use this as my sign to get outside more, even it’s for short walks. Not to mention there’s something really nice about coming back home and getting cosy after you’ve been out in the cold!
Ali Duke
Yes, there is. We live near some heathland so we always have somewhere to take a short or long walk.
Fransic verso
I would love to get my pet for the first time and spend time with my pet. These are great things to do. Thank you for sharing!
Ali Duke
Thank you for reading. Pets are great for putting you in a more positive mood.
Suzie
Great tips – I started writing in a gratitude journal every day this year. I need to get better about spending more time outside though.
Ali Duke
A gratitude journal is great. I try to do it in the morning as it gives me such a happy feeling to start the day.
Andrea Hunt
this is a nice little reminder thanks so much! I think we all need these in January I totally agree with mindfulness and also getting outside for fresh air. Great read!
Ali Duke
Getting outside really does help me, even a short walk does wonders for me.
JamieAdStories
I definitely need more fresh air this year. Happy New Year Ali.
Ali Duke
Happy new year to you too. Fresh air is great, helps me to unwind and relax as well as helping me to move around more.