January is the perfect time to prioritise self-care and wellness. As this can be a tough month for many, taking the time to look after your emotional well-being is even more important.
Small changes can make a big difference in our lives so even if you don’t feel like making any big changes, these helpful tips will help you overcome those January blues.
We spoke to life coach, Ciara McMahon who believes that “little actions can make a great impact.” Ciara shared with us her helpful tips on how to look after yourself this January.
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Establish a Wellness Routine
Ciara believes that there are many benefits to creating more balance in your routine. Taking the time to add time for self-care into your daily life will have a big impact on your mental well-being.
“I advise my clients to put together a toolbox, or simply, a list of things they like to do, to help manage the ups and downs of life, rather than trying to escape it,” says Ciara. “Building regular wellness into your daily life routine is a key element of this and can help manage the stresses and anxiety of everyday life” she added.
Ciara explained how establishing a wellness routine could look like anything from taking the time to listen to your favourite podcast or going to an exercise class. She reminded us that what works for you may not work for others.
“Remember we don’t all like the same things so it’s important to explore and figure out what works best for you. Finding something you enjoy is key!”
Get as Much Natural Delight as Possible
Many of us are leaving for work in the morning when it’s dark and returning home when it’s dark. This can be one of the hardest parts of the winter month with many suffering from seasonal depression.
“Research shows that getting some natural daylight has huge benefits for our mental health” Ciara advises to try and get outside for at least 10 minutes during your lunch or coffee break. “Every bit of natural sunlight during the day has significant benefits for your mental health,” she explained.
Journaling
Journaling is a great way to practice self-gratitude and self-care.
Ciara says: “Devising a practice of journaling is a great way to reflect and refocus your mind.”
She explains how you could start by writing down three things you were grateful for that day before you go to sleep at night, you then may find yourself having a lot to write down some days and others may be the opposite.
“The practice itself helps you to think and notice patterns for your feelings.”
Prioritise your sleep
During the colder months, getting enough sleep is essential to our well-being. The best way to do this is to establish a nighttime routine.
Taking the time out of your evening to have some you time before bed allows for a much better sleep. Set yourself small goals that you would like to achieve to aid your sleep, for example, put your phone away an hour before and read a book instead or do some journaling or meditation.
“This month I am reminding all my clients that we are in the middle of winter, nature is in hibernation.”, says Ciara. Ensure that you make sleep a priority in these colder months as it’s essential to not only our well-being but our cognitive function.
Ciara reminded us that it’s okay to take it slow in January and ease back into our daily routine after the Christmas period. Implementing these tips into our daily lives is a helpful way to get through January and if you dread this time of year remember that spring is just around the corner!
Words by Abby Sammon