10 Ways to Beat the January Blues
January is here and it often feels like a daunting, slow and very long month after all the festive celebrations. We're here to bring you 10 fun things to do with your little ones to help beat the January blues.
Our recipe for a lovely January includes lots of outdoor time, getting outside in the daylight, spending time with your loved ones and much more. Here is what you can do to make this January a little better.
1) Get lots of fresh air
Get as much daylight and fresh air as possible. The days are still short in January so make sure you get outside whenever you can. An energising, early morning stroll will make you and your family feel better on the weekdays. Schedule longer walks for the weekend and try to spend lots of time outdoors, whatever the weather.
2) Cook nourishing meals
What we eat makes a huge difference. Healthy, home-cooked meals will nourish your body and leave you happy and energised. Avoid sugar and junk food and aim to eat lots of fruit, veggies, nuts and warm, immune and mood-boosting meals instead. Plus, cooking together as a family is a great bonding exercise, perfect for those long winter evenings.
3) Try something new with your family
Entertain yourself and your little ones by trying a new activity. Take up a new hobby or learn a new skill together. Leave your comfort zone and challenge yourselves this winter – it is a great way to boost your family’s mood.
4) Have something to look forward to
Book a family holiday or a weekend away (if you can), schedule a fun activity or plan something that will keep you and your children excited. If you have something to look forward too, even long, dark days will seem brighter.
5) Get moving
Exercising together will help you feel better and stay in shape. Start small but be consistent. Long walks or exercising at home are a great and inexpensive way to improve your wellbeing and entertain the whole family.
6) Get creative
Making crafts together is so relaxing and satisfying. Stay in one evening and allow your children to express their creativity. Crafting has lots of benefits – it’s fun, relaxing, it develops motor skills and boosts self-esteem.
7) Switch off your phone
Ready for a digital detox? Now is a great time to switch off your phone as often as you can and focus on being with your children. Get outside, read together or do anything else that will help you limit your screen time.
8) Do something good
Do something good for someone else this January. Volunteer as a family if you can safely do so, help a friend or simply smile at a stranger on the street. Helping others and socialising safely will give you a purpose and will make you feel better about yourself.
9) Don’t take your New Year’s resolutions too seriously
It is a good time to set some goals and try to stick to them, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t meet your New Year’s resolutions. January is challenging enough, so be kind to yourself and your family.
