I don’t know about you, but I have never been a fan of January. It’s those after-the-holidays not much happening, cold weather blues.
We all need some tips to help us through these Winter months.
Perhaps its because I have never been a “snow bunny” or really liked the cold that I find January and Winter tough to deal with. Don’t get me wrong, Charlotte still has some sun as opposed to when I lived in Pittsbugh and was scraping the car, shoveling the driveway and just the grey of it all too.
I think, part of it mentally for me, is the bareness of it all. No flowers, bare trees.
If you are like me and find January or the Winter months a bit challenging, I am looking to the positive side, and am sharing some tips to how to beat those winter blues.
Reading by the Fireplace
I have a few book recommendations for you. A few I have read, and one I am about to read.
Ruth Ware- The It Girl
I finished this book over Christmas and it was the first time I read Ruth Ware, it was so good! Highly recommend. I will be reading more of her books in the future.
Kristin Hannah- The Women
Ever since I read “The Nightengale”, I have been loving her books. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres and she does it so well!
This book takes place during the Vietnam War.
Take a New Class
Whether it is physical, like a new gym class, or musical, like guitar lessons, learn something new! Keeping the brain active is very important, so only sitting zombie eyed in front of the tv during the Winter months is not always the best thing. (Although, there are some great shows on Netflix to watch too- I love Harlen Coban)
Try a new language on one of the apps. I use Duolingo for Italian, but there are others out there as well.
Schedule Some Plans
If you have something to look forward to in these Winter months, I believe it puts you in a better mood. We have events planned in February, such a several wine classes- Chocolate and Wine pairings, Argentinian wines. Think about plans to go out and listen to music. Charlotte has a Jazz Room, and we are taking my mom to hear this world-renowned jazz guitarist.
Socialization is also key in those winter months. We have our favorite haunt, The Cottage Wine Bar, and love to just hang out and socialize and talk to people.
Travel- plan a trip
You don’t have to jet off to Europe, to enjoy a trip. Perhaps it even a weekend “Staycation” at a lovely hotel nearby and you explore parts of your own hometown you haven’t seen. Maybe it is a state that is a 4 hour drive from you that you haven’t explored.
Volunteer
I just went to orientation at Lake Norman Humane and am very much looking forward to volunteering there. I will be going two times a week. If you aren’t interested in working with animals, there are plenty of other volunteer opportunities around.
Self-Care
Whether it is a spa-day, a facial, or just giving yourself some treatments at home, it can help boost your mood. Who doesn’t love a great face mask? I know it takes more than a face mask to get out of the “January Funk”, but get your nails done at a salon, or a pedicure, a pick me up always helps the mood
Women ‘s hands. Multi- colored manicure using red, black and white colors . Three nails painted red. The nail on index finger is white with black polka dots . On little finger black white polka dots
Exercise
I know not everyone loves to exercise, but perhaps your routine is stale. You have been doing the same thing for years and you just aren’t excited about it. Try a new class, but listen to your body! I know sometimes people can go full steam ahead in January, only to end up sore and not wanting to go back. I started with 2 days a week for my Cardio Funk class, and experienced some burning pelvic pain with this amount, so I am scaling back to one day to see how my body reacts.
Maybe you haven’t tried a water aerobics class. It is great way to work the muscles and is low impact and as we know endorphins help our mood. I do run or walk 5 days a week, and miss it when I don’t!
Sun Lamp
If you have SAD ( Seasonal Affective Disorder) one way to help is through a sun lamp. Another way is by getting some Vitamin D on the days that are sunny, even if it is 10 minutes outside.
And if these things don’t work, you can hibernate until Spring, just like the bears !
