Flat!

Now the festivities are over, the decorations are down, January is upon us and work is just around the corner, how are you feeling? I’ll tell you how I am feeling – flat!

Each year there is always a big build up to Christmas and New Year, weeks or even months of preparation build upon the momentum and then it is over in a flash.

It’s discussed day in and day out for weeks, what you are doing? What you are buying, eating and even what you are wearing to parties or family gatherings? New Year comes and we make resolutions, tidy away our decorations and head back to work. We try to stick to eating no junk food, or go dry for January and keep up with our exercise regime. It’s dark for so much of the day, the weather is cold, wet and perhaps snowy, and spring feels like a very long way away.

With all this going on, it feels like a long slog, it’s no wonder we feel flat!

There are two parts to this, the first is to feel it. Feel flat, feel rubbish and acknowledge it and then the second part is to move forward, put strategies in place to help you get past it. Let’s take a look:

Acknoweldge

Ok, so we feel rubbish, flat, sorry for ourselves, we feel ugh for January and really our preference would be to hide under a duvet and hibernate until spring. However, as this is not possible, we are not bears, we have to get on with it and ride those feelings out.

What can we do

Now you are aware of those flat and flumpy feelings, we can put strategies in place to help, take a look at the below for some inspiration and ideas.

1. Get outside and go for a walk. Fresh air and daylight will give you a boost. You don’t have to go far but aim for at least 15-20 minutes, explore your area or find a park or forest to take a walk around. Set yourself a task whilst you are out, count how many birds you see or how many people you meet walking dogs.
2. Whilst on your walk, pay attention to nature. What can you see, hear, feel, smell? What is around you? Is there snow on the ground or frost or is it dry? If in a forest, take a look at the ground and notice the patterns of fallen leaves or twigs. What about mud, are there dog pawprints in it or bird prints? Look up, can you see birds or squirrels in the trees? What do you smell? Fresh air? Pine needles? Earthy smell? Listen to what is happening around you, are you hearing birds, or dogs barking or people talking? What about crunching beneath your feet or the rustle of your coat? Have some fun when you are out and about.
3. No matter where you are, take a look around you, name three things each day of January you are thankful for. It could be anything for example the socks you wear, the soup you ate or the cup of tea you had. Give yourself some light in your life and see what you already have.
4. Connect with your friends and family, arrange to speak with them or arrange to meet regularly. Put time in your diary to catch up with friends and family. Schedule in calls if you are busy, but make sure you catch up. Keeping connected during winter months is important.
5. Take on a daily mindful challenge, there are so many things out there you can do, Google it and see what you can find. An example would be to take 2 minutes each hour to breath slowly and deeply throughout your work day.
6. If you have a pet, each day, spend some time playing or brushing or just cuddling them. Nothing feels better than a snuggle from your furry friend.
7. Wear your favourite clothes – why wait until you have somewhere to go, instead, put them on get dressed up like you are going out and sit on the sofa and smile. Clothes can brighten your day, so rather than slob on the sofa in your comfy clothes, get dressed up, dance around the house to your favourite summer tunes or watch your favourite movie and feel good. Why not spray some of your favourite perfume to make it extra special and complete your outfit.
8. Buy yourself some flowers – you don’t have to spend a lot, but if you enjoy them, treat yourself.

January can be a flat month for your mood and it seems a long way till the days stretch out. However, with a little thought and care you can do little things each day to inflate your mood and feel good.

Thank you so much for reading. All the best to you for 2025 and I hope your January is lighter and brighter with each passing day.

Take care, look after you.

Love Emma xx