Did you know that January is National Be On-Purpose month and Mental Wellness month? So, I thought it would be ideal to write a blog on how you feel about January and what I can do to help if you’re struggling or anxious about the year ahead.
First of all, remember you are not alone, many people find January a struggle: the festivities are over, the days are short, the nights dark, and the month can feel like it drags on so much longer than any other. An added pressure is that January is seen as a month of new beginnings and setting goals and targets for the year ahead ~ this can be so daunting!
So, here’s an idea… why not try to view the month as a time to check in on yourself, and review what is most important to you and what you would like to achieve?
How do you feel about January?
January can be a tough month. The ‘January blues’ are well-known and it’s OK to feel a little blue, but there’s quite a lot you can do to overcome these blues. You can try and turn any negative thoughts on their head… try and look at things with a more positive perspective. The days may be short (and we all know that the lack of daylight can affect our mood), the weather might be frightful, you may have set resolutions and failed shortly afterwards, and you may feel totally underwhelmed by the year ahead ~ but all is not lost! Honestly. This is where being ‘on-purpose’ and checking your mental wellness comes in. So, let’s take a look at what you can do to make things better.
National Be On-Purpose Month
Firstly, what is this all about? Being ‘on-purpose’ is living with good, clear intentions and putting them into action. Whatever your aspirations, big or small, January can be seen as a good time to reflect and plan ~ on the year that has ended and the year to come.
We can all get lost in daily routines. After all, how often does the end of the week or month arrive and you wonder what you have done for yourself, what you achieved other than routine tasks? Being ‘on-purpose’ means that you live more intentionally and meaningfully. This can be both inspiring and daunting! It requires effort but can help you live the life you want to live. But try to remember that being purposeful isn’t just about work; it encompasses relationships, health, and personal growth, too.
So what can you do this month:
- Set some meaningful intentions or aims (not resolutions) – large or small – that are achievable. I like an aim or intention as it feels like something you can slowly work towards, instead of a goal which you may have to bust a gut to achieve.
- Create a vision board and set it somewhere you can see it daily… it will remind you of what you would like to do.
- Share your intentions ~ sharing your aims can be less overwhelming and you will be less alone on the journey to achieving it.
- Reflect ~ this month and throughout the year ~ as checking in on your progress is purposeful.
Mental Wellness month
So this is good, isn’t it? After all the excitement, good cheer and probably quite a lot of stress over the holiday season, what better way to start the new year than spending time focusing on and recharging your mental health and well-being. Grab this opportunity to consciously reflect, reassess, and recalibrate your mental health strategies.
The awareness of mental health disorders, and the stigma, is improving and people are much more likely to talk about it and seek help. But Blue Monday, usually the third Monday in January, is still reportedly the saddest day of the year. But it doesn’t have to be! Let’s turn it on its head!
Here are some suggestions for the month:
- Start a conversation with someone about mental health to break the stigma of seeking help.
- Practice self-care ~ you need to prioritise your mental health this month and always: read a book, take a long bubble bath etc.
- Get outside in the daylight ~ a walk on a cold and frosty morning will really boost your mood! Look out for stunning frosty leaves and cobwebs or take time to enjoy an unexpected winter sunrise or sunset.
- Eat healthily ~ we probably all had too many ‘naughty treats’ over the festive period so focusing on eating nutritional foods will be so good for you.
- Start a daily gratitude journal where you write things you are thankful for.
- Start a new hobby, or rejuvenate an old one, that makes you happy.
- Be mindful ~ pause and focus on your surroundings ~ be fully present and immersed in the current moment. Daily mindfulness practices ~ focused breathing, mindful walking, or meditation ~ can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve attention, and promote general well-being.
- Balance stress and rest. Stress is a part of life but we need to balance it. Stress is not harmful, it is a normal physiological response that prepares the body to face challenges, enhancing focus and performance. But we don’t want it to become chronic. Rest periods allow the nervous system to recover from stress, foster a sense of calm, improve sleep quality, and boost mood. A balance between stress and rest can be essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system.
- Countdown to the clocks changing and celebrate every day being lighter!
- Be sociable ~ company can truly boost your mood and fill you with joy.
So make this month a time to prioritise mental well-being, establish healthy habits, and fortify your mental health for the year ahead. Embrace healthy coping strategies to help you change your life, happiness, and overall well-being ~ but don’t put too many demands on yourself, be realistic. Oh, and don’t forget to treat yourself ~ it doesn’t need to be anything extravagant, you could light and enjoy a new scented candle or do some baking.
It is also important to remember that our mental health plays an important role in our physical health. So focusing on habits that improve your mental health will also make you healthier, happier and stronger.
How I can help…
It is important to acknowledge that January can be a challenging month for many people, but by prioritising self-care and looking after your mental health the challenges can be eased. Being kind to yourself and establishing healthy routines can help but do reach out for support if you need it.
If you would like help to improve your mental health this January, I can help. If you’re grappling with the blues, I can provide support in a safe, comfortable and compassionate space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I can help with reflection and action; helping you recognise and acknowledge your mental health needs and cultivating resilience. Remember, seeking help when needed is not a sign of weakness but a testament to strength. So together we can make this January different. Choose to be positive and purposeful this year.
I hope this helps.
If you’re struggling with your well-being and need further help, please get in touch and I can guide you through this difficult time.
PS I’m giving you the chance for a new start with just two sessions at £35 each… click on the button below to contact me.
