January can be a time of mixed emotions. This can include motivation and excitement as well as feeling overwhelmed and anxious as those around you set targets and goals for the new year.
If you’ve got mixed feelings about the New Year, here are some ways that may help you get over feeling slightly glum.
Routine – Over the Christmas period, routines can go out of the window which can lead to an increase in anxiety of returning to work. Getting back into routine can help the return of productivity and feeling motivated and positive.
Perhaps try adding parts of your normal routine back into your day to help in the run-up to returning to work. This can be small steps, such as adjusting your alarm clock each day to prepare yourself for the earlier mornings. Little additions to your routine will make going back to work much easier, but remember to still give yourself a break!
Plan and prepare – Being prepared can make you feel productive and satisfied with your day. For example, this can be prepping your meals for the week, getting your clothes out the night before or writing to do lists for each day! This will provide you with a sense of achievement.
Get moving – Even if it is as simple as going for a walk, 20 minutes of exercise will make you feel better and release endorphins.
Make some plans – Making plans and having something to look forward to can really motivate you to push through the blues and make those harder days easier to get through.
Don’t put pressure on yourself – Making sure you don’t put too much pressure on unrealistic targets is essential in making sure that you don’t end up disappointed. Setting realistic targets which are achievable is incredibly important for avoiding unnecessary stress and pressure.
Positive mindset – Thoughts become things! Focussing on one thing you are grateful for and one thing you are looking forward to each day can really help flip your mindset. These can be simple things such as being grateful for your family or even just simply looking forward to a home-cooked meal. Positive thoughts support a positive mindset.
Whilst January can be a time where many experience mixed emotions, it is also a time for a fresh start, excitement and to let the motivation for a great year kick in.