The Christmas presents have been opened, the bells of the New Year have rang…and suddenly we are thrust into a 2022 blinking and bleary eyed.
We’re not blinking at the light…the Sun has departed these shores for somewhere hot.
And we are expected to get on with life and this year as if nothing has happened.
Welcome to Blue January! And Blue Monday is not that far away, its the 3rd Monday in January so 21st by my reckoning.
I definitely get effected by the lack of Sun, so what can I (or other sufferers) do in order to keep going and flourish this Monday.
Well, I like to be in the garden as much as possible during the day. Getting Sun light helps your body produce that needed Vitamin D. So if you have a Summerhouse or BBQ Hut, go there and relax with some nice music and warmth. Get in touch with your inner Hygge.
If the though of a Garden and relaxing does not work for you, some exercise is another great option. And there are worse places to exercise than in a Log Cabin in January…its pouring rain outside remember!
If you are needing further ideas please see the tips below, and at the end of this email there are some numbers. I guess I want to end this section with the need to talk to someone. We humans are able to converse in a wonderful way, please use that to its full potential to make sure you can fulfil your full potential.
Top 10 tips to look after your mental health in January and beyond
- Talk about your feelings
- Keep active
- Eat well
- Drink sensibly
- Keep in touch with people- even on the phone
- Ask for help
- Take a break
- Do something you’re good at
- Accept who you are
- Care for others
- See the Mental Health Foundation website for more information and other top tips.
Free Mental Health Helplines
If you or someone you love needs some support now and beyond Blue Monday, reach out to someone that can help on these free helplines:
Samaritans. – 116 123
SANEline – 0300 304 7000
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652
Campaign Against Living Miserably – 0800 58 58 58
Talk care,
Austin