January Joy (Yes, Really!)

January is a notoriously tough month. It’s cold outside. The Christmas countdown has been reset, and then there’s NY resolutions. Pfft. What better time to give you a boost?

Well, our focus is to get you looking out for number one. Fancy a weekly pamper sesh? Or want to try a digital detox? We’ve put together a list of 20 feel-good activities for winter wellness. They might not all be for you, but try them out and see what works… 

GET IT DOWN ON PAPER

Is your mind spinning with thoughts, worries and questions? Clear your head by writing things down. Or if drawing is your thing, doodle away some of those concerns.

START A BUCKET LIST (AND CHECK SOMETHING OFF IT!)

What do you want to achieve in your lifetime? Chances are you’ve got a few things on your bucket list already. But have you committed them to paper? Note them down and have a think about how you can make them a reality. The sky’s the limit!

TAKE TIME OFF FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

You know the story, social media plays a big part in our lives these days. It can be good for us but it can also be addictive and before you know it – boom – 4 hours have disappeared. So we challenge you to see how many hours you can go without ‘double tapping’. What do you do with your time?

CREATE A FEEL-GOOD PLAYLIST

Whether it’s all the classics from your childhood or your favourites from last year, listening to them will give you a buzz. When you listen to music you like, your brain releases dopamine which naturally makes you feel happier.

DRINK MORE WATER

Stay hydrated and cleanse your body with a day devoted to drinking water. Besides avoiding those sugar lows, drinking just water should improve your complexion, flush out toxins and even prevent headaches!

WRITE DOWN A COMPLIMENT (FOR YOU)

It’s so easy to have a negative inner monologue. We’re all guilty of these thoughts and sometimes it’s hard to ignore them. Give yourself a compliment instead and place it somewhere that you’ll read it regularly.

FIND A NEW PODCAST TO BINGE ON

There really is a podcast for every interest, no matter how niche your tastes are. Have a browse and treat your ears to all your favourite things.

SET A TIMER FOR 10 MINUTES...

...And do nothing but breathe. Focus on the sound of your breath. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, in and out.

GO FOR A WALK

It’s been proven that physical activity can help people with the big stuff like mental health. A brisk walk will release endorphins (the feel-good hormone) which helps calm anxiety and lift your mood.

REMEMBER, YOU CAN SAY NO

Don’t fancy it? Don’t feel like you have to say yes to every online meet-up with your mates. Sometimes you might prefer to have some space and that’s fine too.

FEAST ON FRUIT

Fruit keeps your skin hydrated and hair healthy! Apples and bananas can help to purify skin, while citrus fruits can make your hair shine.

SPEND AN HOUR SCREEN-FREE

From TV to tablet and PC to phone, it’s very easy to spend your day hopping from screen to screen. Read a book, go for a walk, have lunch with a friend (phone-free) and see if you feel better for having the break.

CHILL OUT IN YOUR HOODY

Teach your mind to associate that soft, snug hoody with putting your feet up by wearing it every time you relax. Soon you’ll feel naturally calmer whenever you wear that trusty hoody.

HAVE A NAP

Taking a 20-minute ‘power nap’ can restore alertness and enhance performance (without making you feel groggy). Maybe set an alarm just in case!

TRY A NEW PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Whether it’s yoga on YouTube, or a jog around the block, there are so many ways to get the blood pumping and happy hormones (endorphins) flowing.

BELT OUT YOUR FAVOURITE SONG

Singing trains your lungs to breathe better and reduces stress levels. Singing with friends is even better for you! So gather your mates for an online gig on Zoom or Factime!

COMPLIMENT 5 DIFFERENT PEOPLE FOR 5 DIFFERENT REASONS

You know that kindness is free and priceless to give! A kind act has a positive effect on everyone who witnesses it, improving moods and making them significantly more likely to ‘pay it forward’. Think about the impact your compliments could have!

AND STRETCH!

Stretch up, up, up, and hold it. Ahhh. When you’re stressed your muscles tighten. By stretching you release the tension in your body which will make you feel calmer. Spend a couple of minutes stretching now and see if you feel better for it.