5 ways to beat Blue Monday & the January Blues

The January blues are pretty common around this time of year.

The joys of the holidays are over, everyone is back at work, and it's pretty gloomy and cold out there.

Today is Blue Monday, the supposed "most depressing day of the year." It's the perfect storm of sadness: reality sets back in now that Christmas is over, work is picking back up, and spring is still months away. Money is probably tight after all the holiday festivities, and everyone is trying to fill their goals and resolutions for the year.

On today of all days, everything can feel like too much. Your low mood can develop into a lack of motivation, anxiety and fatigue, with no sense of light at the end of the tunnel. So just how can you overcome the problem and make sure that the January Blues are just a thing of the past? Here are a few tips to help you on your way.

1. Go on a health kick

Your mental health is important, and that's especially true to fight off the January Blues. But your mental health is linked to physical health. Workouts are a great way to burn calories and burn off those negative feelings. Exercising releases endorphins, aka the "happy" hormones that make you feel good. 

Walking is a great way to calm your mind and get out and explore nature. Yoga, meanwhile, is a good way to connect with your body, meditate, and focus on breathing.

This doesn’t mean that you have to spend every waking hour in the gym. Head out for a walk in the countryside or find an activity that you and your friends and family can all embark on and have some fun as a group. You’ll feel better for it. 

2. Take time out for yourself

Think about it: over the last few months, you've been spending time with your family and loved ones. You've more than likely been focused on shopping and hosting, and you've probably been thinking about everyone else. It's easy to let everything get on top of you, but it is important to keep some time spare where you can enjoy the things you like to do.

Carve out some time for yourself. It doesn't have to be major; something as little as reading a book or watching your favourite TV programme can help you unwind and relax. Go shopping or take a leisurely drive somewhere to blow off steam.

It's hard to admit — especially if you're a mother — but you are important. So make sure you're looking after yourself, too. And remember to treat yourself with the founder of Absolute Collagen, Maxine Laceby’s, very own principle of S.I.R. We all deserve to feel Safe Important and Respected but this has to start with you. How you treat yourself is always reflected in how others treat you!

3. Book a holiday

Give yourself something to look forward to. There's no better way to beat Blue Monday and the January Blues than with a trip somewhere special.

A lot of the time, anxiety or depression can set in because there is no light at the end of the tunnel; everything has filled in around you and there is nothing to look forward to. Why not beat that by booking a getaway for later in the year, a focal point which you can view to help have something to keep your wellbeing in order?

If the Christmas period has left you and your wallet feeling a little short, it doesn’t even have to be an expensive holiday. A few days in the country or a short weekend break can all have the desired effect and will give you something to look forward to - a sense of purpose and excitement to tackle the January Blues with. Just remember to pack your Absolute Collagen with you when you go.

4. Stay in touch with friends and family

During the holidays, you're surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. Sometimes, it's with people that you rarely see throughout the year. Adjusting to not having that support come January is tough.

If you feel dark days setting in, get in touch with some of those friends or relatives that you might not have seen for a while. Arrange a get-together or a night out, maybe take in a spa day as a group, or even just something as simple as having a meal and taking your mind off things for a while.

If you're not feeling confident enough to pick up the phone and speak to someone, why not use email or even a social network site like Facebook to get things arranged? Reaching out to people can not only give you something to look forward to but can act as a reminder that there are those who will be able to help you should you need it.

5. Pamper yourself

The January Blues can often lead to an impact on your skin and your body. If you don't feel great, chances are you won't look great, either.

It's been a busy few months, so you probably haven't had time to devote to yourself. It's hard to keep up with a skincare routine when you're running around getting everything ready for the holidays.

Get back into the swing of things by going back to your skincare routine. You could even run a hot bath, light some relaxing candles, and add a bath bomb or two.

Another easy way to pamper yourself is to take Absolute Collagen. Not only do collagen supplements keep skin, nails, and hair healthy, but they've also been shown to boost energy and mood. Just one sachet a day can lead to plumper skin, stronger nails, healthier joints, and toned muscles. Bye-bye Blue Monday, and hello to glowing skin.

When the January Blues become too much:

While it might seem like January is lasting forever and that you won’t snap out of your Blue Monday funk, it will get better. Just give it some time and be patient. 

However, if you're still feeling down or if the sadness and anxiety is getting worse, it might be more than the January Blues. If that sounds like you, it might be the time to seek help and confide in your GP.