Banish the Post-Holiday Blues: Simple Ways to Boost Your Mood This January
The holidays are over, the credit card bill has arrived, and the dark, cold days of January stretch before you. Feeling a little down? You’re not alone. Many Americans experience a dip in mood after the festive season. But don’t despair! There are simple, effective ways to boost your spirits and navigate the month with renewed energy and positivity.
Plan for Fun and Novelty
International speaker and life coach Simon Alexander ong, author of Energize, suggests proactively scheduling enjoyable activities. “Many of us feel fatigued before the new year has even started, as our body can already energetically predict what to expect,” he says. “Cold, dark days with no more Christmas lights up to give us those dopamine hits; returning to work and [busy] routines; the pressures that can come with the beginning of a new year… To make january more energizing, inject some fun and novelty into it, so that you have something to look forward to. Even better if the experience is something you haven’t done before, as not knowing what to expect will make it more enjoyable.”
Harness the Power of Nature
Moya Slade, founder of the nest, recommends a simple yet powerful remedy: morning sunlight. “Getting outside into natural light first thing in the morning with naked eyes (no glasses, sunglasses or contact lens), will set up your body for the day ahead,” she explains. “Morning sunlight on your eyes stimulates serotonin production, a feel-good chemical impacting mood and focus. Throughout the day,as sunlight diminishes,serotonin naturally converts to melatonin,promoting restful sleep. The perfect little boost from nature to help regulate our circadian rhythms, and it’s free!”
Connect with Loved Ones
Dr. Katy James, psychologist and mental health clinical director at Vita Health Group, emphasizes the importance of human connection. “A phone call with a friend can offer a sense of connection that words on a screen simply can’t replicate,” she notes. “Personal interactions with loved ones trigger the release of the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin in the brain – known for its role in bonding and relationship-building, as well as stress and anxiety reduction. Phone calls also provide the space to share laughter,stories and support in real time,reinforcing a sense of belonging and connection – especially vital during difficult or isolating times.”
Unleash Your Creativity
Dr. Lisa Turner, emotional resilience expert and author of Our Conscious Tipping Point, suggests tapping into your creative side. “Activities like knitting or painting are brilliant for boosting wellbeing,” she says. “Engaging in crafting and creativity not only offers a productive outlet, but also stimulates your brain, encouraging the release of ‘feel-good’ chemical, dopamine – this helps enhance mood and foster feelings of accomplishment. Tapping into your creative side also gives your brain a chance to focus and unwind as you step into the new year.”
Declutter Your Space
Andreea Dumitru, Salvation army Restyle Editor, recommends decluttering as a mood booster. “Decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by tackling one space at a time and make it fun,” she advises. “You can declutter while listening to music or having your favorite series in the background. Use the ‘keep, donate, discard’ method to sort through items quickly. When you’re done, take your donation pile to your local Salvation Army shop. You’ll clear your home,help others,and start the year with a great feeling.”
Embrace the Sounds of Nature
Catalin Zorzini, founder of Earth.fm, introduces the concept of “Gökotta,” a Swedish tradition of waking early to appreciate nature’s sounds. “The Swedish concept of Gökotta is all about waking up early to enjoy birdsong, and appreciate nature’s beauty in a time of stillness,” he explains. “There have been many studies about the mental wellbeing benefits of listening to nature sounds; one study by the National Trust found that birdsong and rustling leaves can increase relaxation by 30%, which was more so than guided meditation recordings. More recent research found listening to nature sounds while commuting can cut stress by 35%.” earth.fm offers a wide variety of nature sounds online and through their mobile app.
Embrace the Chill
while the full quote is cut off in the source material,the suggestion of taking a cold shower is included as a potential mood booster. The invigorating effects of cold water are frequently enough cited as a way to increase alertness and energy levels.
Boost Your Brainpower: Simple Daily Habits for Enhanced Well-being
Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to maintain focus? A simple shift in your daily routine can significantly impact your mental clarity and overall well-being. Experts reveal surprisingly effective strategies to enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and boost your mood—all without requiring major lifestyle overhauls.
Embrace the Chill: The Power of Cold Showers
Start your day with an invigorating cold shower. Longevity expert Leslie Kenny of lesliesnewprime.com explains, “Beyond the initial shock, they stimulate our immune system (which is why cold showers have been found to slash the number of days people call in sick to work by 29%). They’ve been shown to relieve depressive symptoms and even have beauty benefits – if you can’t face the whole thing, just by using cold water on the top of your head, you can add shine to your locks.” Kenny suggests a hot shower followed by a one-minute blast of cold water, focusing on the forehead for maximum benefit. “The forehead has more receptors for cold so in theory, getting cold on those areas should give you more of a boost!” she adds.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Benefits of Group Fitness
Harness the power of social interaction to enhance your fitness routine. Brain expert Natalie Mackenzie of thebraininjurytherapist.co.uk emphasizes the importance of social connection, especially as we age. “humans are social animals and our brains thrive on relationships, but as we get older, the risk of being isolated increases,” she notes. “Participating in group exercise combines the physical benefits of the activity with the cognitive enhancement social interaction provides,which is a win-win for wellbeing.” Mackenzie highlights the multifaceted brain stimulation during group activities: “When we interact during group exercise our brains are stimulated in different ways through conversation,laughing together,and even subtle nonverbal signals. Group settings engage different areas of the brain, making it more active and agile, keeping your mental ‘muscles’ sharp. Surrounding yourself with positive people while exercising does wonders for your confidence too, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages you to stay motivated.”
The Mindful Mug: Savor Your Tea Break
Take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasure of a cup of tea. Dr. Carrie Ruxton, dietician from the Tea Advisory Panel (teaadvisorypanel.com), explains the multifaceted benefits: “Tea is both a natural de-stresser and mood-booster thanks to a cuppa containing polyphenols, which relax and open up the blood vessels which supply the brain, leading to an influx of nutrients and oxygen and L-theanine – which helps us to feel calm and focused simultaneously occurring.” She adds, “Plus, drinking tea has been found to boost mood, reduce stress and improve concentration. The tea-making ritual also helps us step away from the daily activity, take a breather, and we are rewarded with a hug in a mug.”
Face Yoga: A Natural Facelift for Mind and Body
Incorporate face yoga into your morning routine for a holistic approach to well-being. Maria Goutine,yoga teacher,Magical Medicine co-founder,and certified Ayurvedic Practitioner (HE Dip),describes it as “A powerful ritual that tones facial muscles,smooths wrinkles,and awakens your inner glow.” She recommends starting your day with a few minutes of face yoga (numerous tutorials are available online). “It boosts blood circulation to the head area,delivering fresh oxygen and nutrients to nourish your skin and calm the mind,” Goutine explains. “This practice also activates marma points – energy centres located on the face and head – to balance emotions and alleviate stress. When practised alongside deep breathing, its calming and uplifting effects are amplified. Just a few mindful minutes each morning will leave you with radiant skin and a happier, brighter mood all day long.”
