Tips to beat those post Christmas blues!

As January dawns, it can feel something of a let down. The festive cheer has ended, and reality starts hitting. Bank balances are low, bills are coming in, there are back-to-work blues, it’s cold, wet and daylight is short. Add to that the likelihood that it’s probably harder to get into your clothes after eating and drinking too much over the festive period, and it’s not surprising that people feel low.

Try beating the blues and stay happy with a few simple steps:

Think ahead
Make plans for a pleasant evening out or booking a trip. It gives you something to look forward to when returning to routine makes you feel low.

Laugh!
Watch a comedy film or search out a funny book. Look for things that make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine of all and instantly makes you feel better.

Try something new
Take your mind off problems by trying something new. It might be a new sport, meeting new people, trying a new craft. This takes you out of your comfort zone and helps cope with the blues.

Be active
Go for a walk. Take up a new sport. Anything that makes you active and gets you out in the fresh air will help deal with any extra weight gain. Mood boosting endorphins are released every time you exercise. This makes you feel better in every way.

Avoid being SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is all too common at this time of the year. People find it hard to cope with the long hours of darkness, the cold and lack of sunlight. Try using a SAD light box. This will reduce negative feelings caused by caused by low levels of natural light.

Think of others
Helping others is a great way to distract yourself from feeling down. Try volunteering for a local charity. Not only will help others, but it can bring new friends and interests too. Help a friend, smile at strangers – the results can be impressive.

Improve your social life
Get out and about, make new friends, and boost your social life.

There’s no need to feel down, there are many simple ways to help yourself feel better. Just take the first step and improvements soon follow.