Why January Is So Miserable

The third week in January is known as the most miserable week of the year, and it’s usually due to the low light levels and the highs of Christmas and New Year wearing off. It is also the time when most people tend to give up on their New Year’s Resolutions too.

Beat the January blues this year with these six easy steps that anyone can follow, and look forward to a happier, perkier month all round.

Step One: Diet Overhaul

Almost everyone decides to go on some kind of diet in January, and it's probably not the best time of year to try it. In-season produce is limited, and those dark days make you want to reach for the comfort foods.

Instead of a fad diet, aim to have at least one healthy meal a day, and snack on healthy snacks like carrot sticks and hummus instead of sugary treats.

Step Two: Sort Out Your Mood

Did you know that CDB oil could potentially be used to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety? A good quality CBD oil from a company like Platinumcbduk.com can possibly improve your mood and your general anxiety levels within a few weeks.

Step Three: Get Outside More

It’s tough to do so in January because traditionally January has always been a bit cold and wet, but just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be outside.

Breathing clean, fresh air is good for you, and a brisk walk in the cold weather does wonders for the heart, just make sure you wrap up nice and warm!

Step Four: Be More Sociable (Even If It’s Virtually)

It’s hard to be sociable right now when we’re reading articles every day about how to NOT be sociable, but being sociable is important for your mental health, especially through gloomy months like January.

Book in some Zoom ‘nights out’ with friends, maybe even take advantage of some of the great online versions of games like Cards Against Humanity while you’re at it!

Step Five: Try Dry January

Has lockdown led to you drinking more than you would normally? If it has, it’s time to try ‘Dry January’, which is no booze at all during January.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of recipes for some great alcohol-free ‘mocktails’ to try that will leave you wondering why you ever added gin to it in the first place!

Step Six: Give Light Therapy A Go

Traditionally January is a month with very little available sunlight, and this can be even worse if you’re stuck in an office (home or away) during daylight hours.

Getting to grips with light therapy can work wonders for a case of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADs). Daylight lamps are fairly cheap to pick up, and can really make a difference to your mood in a dark month.