Blue Monday is here, and with it many people start to feel the January blues!
Although this time of year can be hard, there are a few things you can do to look after your mental health and boost your mood in January.
It's so important to keep yourself busy with fun activities at this time of year! Sometimes, just having something to look forward to when the days get shorter can help to put a smile on your face.
In this blog post, I've put together 10 fun activities to boost your mood this Blue Monday!
From group activities to solo dates, I hope you find the perfect thing to keep you busy this January.
1. Go to the gym
Getting a bit of exercise is the perfect fun activity to boost your mood this Blue Monday.
Exercise is a great way to release endorphins in your body and you can give yourself a natural little mood boost if you're feeling down.
If you don't enjoy going to the gym, try finding a different fitness activity that makes you feel good!
2. Head to a wine-tasting
If you need a fun activity to look forward to during the cold January months, a wine-tasting is the perfect choice!
You could spend some time with loved ones, or treat yourself to a solo date trying some of your favourite drinks.
A couple of years ago I took part in a gin tour, and it was a lovely way to spend my day.
3. Cook yourself a delicious meal
Blue Monday is a work day for many of us- and that can mean we feel low throughout the day. However, it can help to have something to look forward to in the evening.
Cook yourself a delicious, comforting meal after work. You could try out a new recipe or order your favourite takeaway to relax and de-stress after a long day of hard work.
4. Get out in nature
Nature is so important for our mental health! Get out in nature for a short walk or walk a dog for the day to boost your mood this Blue Monday.
Surrounding yourself with nature can help you feel calm, happy and even improve conditions such as depression or anxiety.
5. Go bowling
If you're looking for a unique activity to enjoy this Blue Monday, bowling is always a great choice.
There are lots of smaller, modern bowling alleys in major cities these days, such as Lane 7. These bowling alleys allow you to enjoy tasty food and drinks while you play a fun game with your friends and family.
Although it's nice to go out for a drink with friends, sometimes trying out an activity or challenging game at the same time can be even more fun.
6. Try out a fitness class
You could try out a new fitness class this Blue Monday. If you're working, you can even do this activity before or after work.
From yoga to cardio, many gyms offer a range of fitness classes for both members and non-members.
7. Read your favourite comfort read
This Blue Monday, snuggle under the covers with your favourite comfort read.
Although it's a good idea to get out and about whenever you can, sometimes you just need to hide from the freezing cold weather with a cosy Winter activity.
Read one of your favourite books or buy a new read to enjoy this Blue Monday.
8. Go shopping
You can't beat a bit of retail therapy! This Blue Monday, why not spend a bit of time shopping?
You could go out with friends or just keep yourself busy with a solo shopping date for the day. Make it even more fun with a trip to your local café or pub afterwards!
9. Treat yourself to a spa day
After the relaxing Christmas period, it can feel like January is just about work- and that can lead to low moods, anxiety and depression.
This Blue Monday, treat yourself to a spa day and take a much-needed break from work. This can help you rest, relax and enjoy a bit of pampering.
Whether you'd love to try out a massage or you just want to have a warming bubble bath after work, treating yourself is an important part of any self-care routine this January.
10. Stick on your favourite film
There's nothing like watching your favourite comfort film, especially when the weather is cold and rainy outside!
This Blue Monday, stick on your favourite film, make yourself some popcorn and spend a cosy afternoon or evening inside.
Do you have any plans for Blue Monday? How do you look after your mental health in January? Let me know in the comments!
Love, Sarah xoxo
