How do you deal with the January blues? Have your say
As we venture into January, following a December brimming with social gatherings, indulgent feasts and Christmas merriment, many of us are left feeling somewhat depleted and disoriented. This post-festive season slump, often dubbed the 'January blues', is a widespread occurrence marked by feelings of fatigue, low energy and a lack of drive.
Are you feeling down in the dumps after the fun of Christmas? How do you deal with the January blues? Have your say in our comments section.
"The January blues refer to feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, loneliness and low energy that often arise after the festive season," clarifies Dr Lalitaa Suglani, a psychologist and author of High Functioning Anxiety: A 5-Step Guide To Calming The Inner Panic And Thriving. "This dip in mood is common as we transition from the excitement of the holidays into a more routine-focused and colder part of the year."
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So, what triggers it?
"Holiday routines, like late nights and irregular eating patterns, disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it harder to get back into a structured routine," Suglani explains. "Also, reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter months leads to a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, leading to feelings of sadness or lethargy."
"Lower sunlight also disrupts the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that influences sleep and energy cycles. This can cause excessive tiredness or poor-quality sleep."
As we wave goodbye to December's festivities, some of us might find ourselves grappling with a dopamine dip come January. After a whirlwind month filled with social shindigs and yuletide cheer, the sudden halt in excitement can leave many feeling somewhat deflated.
The daunting prospect of kicking off the new year as a picture of organisation and self-improvement often piles on the pressure, potentially leading to a sense of not quite measuring up. Suglani notes: "Overly ambitious New Year's resolutions activate the brain's reward system, but failure to meet early expectations can trigger feelings of inadequacy, further dampening mood."
To combat those pesky January blues, here are a few handy strategies. Soaking up as much sunlight as possible is a good start; even when skies are grey, natural light can give your serotonin levels a lift and perk up your spirits so don't shy away from stepping out into the daylight and gulping down some fresh air.
Suglani recommends getting your sleep schedule back on track, advising: "aim to go to bed and wake up at consistent times to regulate your circadian rhythm", which is key to maintaining your overall wellbeing.
And if you're finding yourself glued to the couch, it's time to shake things up. "exercise boosts endorphins and is a natural mood booster in general," points out Jess Parkinson, personal trainer and director at The Happy Healthy Body Co. She adds: "It can really turn your day around, especially when you find a form of exercise you enjoy."
Embrace the pace and lean into the current season, advises Ciara McGinley, meditation teacher and founder of Finding Quiet, noting that we remain in winter's clutch: "Lean into the flow of seasons, embrace the slowness and use this time to recharge and rest before spring."
Are you feeling down in the dumps after the fun of Christmas? How do you deal with the January blues? Have your say in our comments section.