Welcome to January, everyone! This time of the year, for many people, is seen as a fresh start and an opportunity to build new habits and try new activities. There is momentum to change, and an irresistible feeling of a fresh, clean page to write on. While that is undeniable, this month can also feel like a burden, rife with post-holiday heaviness and credit card debt. The January Blues, while not an official diagnosis, are very much a real thing many people manage this time of year. It can take shape in various ways: less energy, feeling irritable, not completing tasks, or an increase in negative self-talk. It could even be tempting to shut the world away and avoid responsibilities altogether. Layered on top of this, is the societal pressure to change and improve your life with new year's resolutions.
There are healthy ways to manage these feelings that converge in January, and there are unhealthy ways of managing. It is good to be aware of both.
When you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, the unhealthy coping techniques are usually more appealing:
- Scrolling on your phone.
- Isolating yourself.
- Self-medicating.
While it does take some effort to explore healthier ways of managing the January blues, the payoff is well worth it.
Simple strategies like:
- Getting out for a 10 minute walk.
- Maintaining social contact with friends and family.
- Learning something new, which can give you energy and motivation.
- Even doing a puzzle, either with someone or on your own, can offer focus and a sense of achievement once it is completed.
If you know someone who is struggling with the January Blues, perhaps a friend, family member, or coworker, see if you can offer a way to make the clouds part for them. Going out for coffee and a walk in the park, while maybe not feeling like a grand gesture, can really be a lifesaver for someone struggling this time of year. Alternatively, if a friend offers to spend time with you, accept the invitation; it will likely be mutually beneficial.
The January Blues are a real thing, and present a significant challenge to many Canadians. The perfect storm of shorter days, colder weather, and post-holiday mood drop can chip away at your mental health without proper ways of pushing back against it. Even if you are not struggling, check in on your friends and family members just in case they are.
If you need to talk to a mental health professional, Walmsley EFAP is here for you, just give us a call or fill out our online form at www.walmsley.ca.