Reading – Until Another Day

We all know that January is the most miserable and mundane month of the year. Everyone starts with the best of intentions, the ‘New Year, New Me’ attitude. But by the second or third week of January, the lack of motivation and enthusiasm starts to kick in. The comedown after the Christmas festivities is always difficult and the thought of the normal routine returning, is enough to put anyone of their breakfast.

Happiness Tips for January

1. Get outside

Being outside, in the fresh air is always a mood booster. No matter how much you can’t be bothered, or how lazy you’re feeling, a quick walk around your local park, coffee in hand will instantly make you feel better. Going for a winter walk is something I have been craving recently, I tested positive for covid just after New Year so was stuck inside for the first week of the year. One of the first things I did on ‘freedom day’ was head to Sefton Park for little walk. It perked me up and improved my mood straightaway.

2. Read a feel-good book

Reading isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but when I find a great book, the only thing I want to do is read. Find a book that will make you feel happy, not something that will leave a grey cloud above your head. The first books that spring to mind to me, are all by Matt Haig, sorry I know some of you are not too keen on his writing style. The Humans, How to Stop Time and The Midnight Library are some of my favourites. Another book that I’ve heard good things about is The Comfort Book, which is filled with inspirational and comforting quotes to better your mood.

3. Bake a cake or cook your favourite meal

One of my favourite things to do when I’m feeling down is to bake. I find baking to be cathartic and relaxing, although I haven’t done much of it recently. An account I follow on Instagram for baking inspiration is Jane’s Patisserie, my friend also gifted me her cook book for my birthday last year. Jane always share incredibly tasty recipes for sweet treats over on her Instagram and blog, and she often appears on This Morning, sharing her culinary delights.

4. Enjoy a pamper morning/evening

Run yourself a hot bubble bath or have a warm shower using your favourite body products. Do a full body scrub, shave (if that’s your jam), and cover your body in thick lotions and potions for a full on pamper. Wind down with a face mask to suit your skins needs, whether that’s a clay mask to remove impurities, or a hydrating gel or sheet mask for added moisture.

5. Treat yourself to something you love

Diet culture is toxic in January, fad diets are pushed through social media and the tabloids relentlessly. If you’re not feeling quite yourself, don’t restrict the things you love. Buy that cake, enjoy your favourite chocolate. It doesn’t have to be food related either, go get a manicure or pedicure. Purchase that new highlighter, or bag you’ve been after for ages. Treat yourself, because it will definitely make you feel good.

6. Exercise

Exercise isn’t something I particularly enjoy, especially going to the gym! However, I’ve recently discovered my love for swimming, and before Christmas I started going a couple of times per week. I always feel proud when I’ve completed a swim session, especially when I’ve beaten my previous record. If cardio exercise isn’t for you, try stretching or yoga. Exercise is hard but the endorphins and the feeling of accomplishment after are worth it.

7. Meditate

Meditation is a great way of helping to keep our minds calm and in the present. It’s particularly useful during anxious or stressful periods. There are lots of meditation apps around, such as Calm and Headspace, but there are also a bunch of free guided meditation videos on YouTube. Meditation takes practice, and you won’t be perfect at it instantaneously. Set aside just 5-10 minutes during your day, to have a moment of peace.

The 7 mood-boosting tips I’ve mentioned may not work for everyone, but they work wonders for me and my mental health, they’re easy and accessible to everyone. If you feel that your mental health is getting worse, I had a guest blogger write a blog post about depression that you might find useful. The charity Mind has information and support to help those struggling with their mental health.

Until Another Day x

During our day to day lives, it can be difficult to put aside a little time to practice self care, looking after our mental and physical health. We get swept away in the hustle and bustle of working life that we tend to neglect ourselves. Since lockdown began, I now have more time to dedicate to practicing self care, in this post I’m going to share 5 self care activites to relax your mind and body.

Workout

Working out has many benefits, not only does it aid weight loss but has proven postive physcological benefits by releasing endorphins making us feel happier. Feeling tired and lethargic? Do a workout, over time your energy levels will increase. For the record, I’m by no means a fitness freak, I struggle to exercise regularly, but now that I have more time on my hands I’m trying my best to include more exercise into my routine. As I write this, I’ve just finished my 3rd workout of the day!

Read a book

If you’re anything like me, you will go through stages of reading books quite quickly and regularly but on occassion go months without reading a single book. I’d class myself as a holiday reader, I typically read a lot more lounging by a pool or the beach lapping up the sunshine. I purchased myself Ferne Cotton’s books Happy, Calm & Quiet, £9 for all 3 on Amazon! At the moment I’m delving into ‘Happy’, I don’t suffer from depression but this book has some really great advice that everyone can learn from.

Take a bath

Taking a nice warm bath is the key to feeling completely relaxed, I had one just yesterday evening. It’s the perfect time to have a little social media detox, listen to some relaxing music or a podcast and soak with your favourite bath bomb or epsom salts. If you’re feeling extra bougie why not light a candle or two for that optimum relaxation.

Have a pamper morning/evening

This has to be my favourite tip on here, I’m quite partial to a pamper session. After a long day of staring at a laptop screen, I love jumping into the shower and afterwards lathering myself in my favourite moisturising body butter. Applying a nice face mask to detox the skin and really concentrating on your skin care routine is a great way to feel pampered. I also enjoy painting my nails, which can help me feel more put together.

Declutter

Having a sort out through old clothes and unused makeup always makes me feel organised. I love discovering lost treasures that I can now make use of. I recently rearranged the contents of my dressing table, this is where I store all of my makeup. Rather than throwing makeup away, I like to put some products aside to gift to a family friend, who is makeup obsessed like me. I also gifted some foundation, that is a bit too dark for me, to my mum, along with some other bits. Tidying my drawers and decluttering helps to reduce stress and anxiety, increasing productivity and creativity.

I hope you enjoyed my 5 self care tips. I’m always on the look out for new ways to relax and unwind, I’d love to hear what you get up to!