HOW TO SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES & BEAT BLUE MONDAY

I hate to be the one to break this to you but Blue Monday is coming!
This Monday to be exact which is funny because I CAN FEEL IT!
It’s a shame there is so much emphasis on this kind of day but whats more of a shame is how damn accurate it is. The sparkles and excitement of Christmas has gone, we’re all doing some kind of detox whether it be lowering our daily potato or chocolate intake, Veganuary, dry January or just trying to be that little bit better at life, which, lets face it for the most of us is pretty damn depressing indeed! We’re all pretty skint after the festivities and now the buzz of a new year, new me has been and if you’re anything like me already GONE!
Now I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer as I assure you this post is about bringing us up from under the rain cloud of the most depressing day of the year but my goodness do I feel like I’m putting the blue into Blue Monday prematurely... On a Thursday!!!
I’m generally happy, life is good! I’ve got my health, a great support system around me and a roof over my head, but when it comes to work I can’t help but feel a bit scrambled, anyone else?
It’s taken me a week or two to get back into the swing of things but I’m suddenly feeling an enormous amount of pressure to do better and be better! I love the positivity that a new year brings with it but when all is said and done, it is just another year which is what I’m repeatedly telling myself whilst still freaking the hell out.
It’s the whole self employed malarky that does it for me, feeling like a one man band, a circus act trying to juggle too many things or spin too many plates even when I know I’m not alone. I have a great team who help and guide and inspire me daily, yet truth is, I’m winging it on the daily, treading water yet feeling as though I’m drowning in self doubt and worries like the rest of you. I’ll get there, heck we all will and hopefully with a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way ‘cause blue Monday and the so called January Blues come around every year and like clockwork always get the better of me.

First up we have the ever healing powers of MUSIC! There really is nothing like an upbeat track to really set your day off on the right foot. I have my list of absolute failsafes (find the playlist here) that I know will always put a pep in my step if I’m feeling a little wobbly every now and again. My go-to at the moment is from the Bohemian Rhapsody Soundtrack (duh!), in-partiular “Keep Yourself Alive” it’s not a song I’d heard by Queen before until I saw the film and coincidentally it was from one of my favourite scenes! The soundtrack version is based upon a live recording (the album version is a bit pants I must admit) and my gawd I am so obsessed with it! It instantly makes me feel good, my foot gets a tapping, my hips get a shaking and before I know it I’m out of my funk and singing each word at the top of my lungs. Music really is the remedy to many a mood.

Next up we must get moving! I think I can vouch for the vast majority of us when I say I feel a bit like a toe at this time of year. Throughout December I’ve eaten a lot and I’ve drank even more and I bloody well enjoyed myself. It’s only now when the Quality Street tin only houses wrappers (grgh those people) and the crackers from the cheese board have gone a bit stale that I feel a little bit rubbish.
So, I’ve done the age old January cliche and I’ve joined a gym…
I was seeing a personal trainer throughout last year which I loved (miss you Kaif) but he’s since gone on to bigger and better things and so I’ve had to bite the bullet and join a real life gym. I’ve got my first class of the year tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to getting that little buzz of wellness running through my veins again. I just know it’s going to do wonders for my mental health as well as of course my physical health too. But, if joining a gym isn’t the one for you then just get outside. I spent a lot of time this Christmas sat on the sofa or stationary in the kitchen at a house party with a big ole glass of fizz in my hand, so hitting the streets or the park with my dogs was a great antidote to all the food, the parties and the slobbing out.

I’ve always championed a spot of retail therapy to cheer up any form of upset in life but I’m really trying to be good this year. I have a wardrobe full of clothes that I love and that I’ve recently saved after doing a good cull, yet I’m struggling to escape a minor styling rut. That’s where a new tip has come into play and that is to go for comfort. Comfort is always high on my list of styling priorities but right now in January 2019 more than ever! Outfits such as this beauty have been a godsend for most days as it’s insanely comfortable; I mean, Teddy coat, oversized jumper, relaxed fit corduroy trousers and trainers… It’s a no brainer. YET it still fills me with joy as it combines some great high street pieces with a luxury treat and also that much needed pop of colour. Colour is a great thing to inject into your life at this time of year to instantly brighten your perspective and just generally make you feel better, and boy did these purple corduroys make me feel better, what a bloody joyous colour!

Being comfy obviously doesn’t stop once you get home, heck the comfort levels are turned up a notch or 10 as soon as I step through the door. The central heating is turned on, along with the kettle, the clothes are off and the pyjamas (and dressing gown lets be real here) are on, the hair is up and the make up is removed! Comfort levels just hit their maximum! Cosy up with a cup of tea, light ALL the candles, put something on the telly (I’d recommend You, Birdbox and Dumplin) or escape in a good book and you’ll be feeling back to your normal self in no time! Baths, baths really help too! I’ve pretty much just described every night in my house since January hit.

Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed I always opt for a spot of list writing, this really works to clear my head and make me feel much better about what was daunting me originally. List making often makes me realise that I don’t have half as much to achieve as I thought and therefore everything seems much more manageable than before. Whether you’re a pen and paper kinda gal or just pop it down into your iPhones Notes like me, just get it all written down and you’ll feel so much more on top of things I promise!

Now I appreciate that this next one won’t apply to everyone but if you can then get something booked! Whether that be a holiday, a day out with your family or a trip to the cinema, get something booked in and locked down for you to look forward to. I’m currently trying to book in some time to book a holiday, lol what a trainwreck!
But I just know that as soon as I have those dates locked down I’ll have something real to work towards and something that will spur me on to get shit done. The beginning of the year can often feel SO daunting but that summer holiday or festival or even that celebratory night out in February when you’ve all successfully kicked dry January’s butt will come around in no time at all!

And finally get social! And no I don’t mean scroll through Instagram (deffo don’t do that if you’re feeling down, avoid that app like the plague!) I mean get out of the house and see your family and friends. I know that everyone is skint and that everyone is detoxing or dry-january-ing but even if it’s just for a cup of tea down your mums, get out of the house and see someone. Talk about your problems if you wish but if not talk about anything to take your mind off it, just talk and be sociable. Chances are everyone will be in the same boat and if anything else you can wallow in self pity together… I kid!

So there we have some ways to kick Blue Monday’s ass! I appreciate that this post is going live today on a Thursday but heck I’ve had a testing week and whilst all in all I’m feeling alright, I'm bogged down with work (and it's that time of the month sooo 🙃) so chances are it might be getting you down too, so I thought it may be best to share these tips ASAP!
Make your weekend a glorious one and try to remember that we’re all a bit devvo’d that Christmas is over so you’re certainly not alone!
Sending lots of love, bubble baths, dressing gowns, hot bevs of choice, comfy outfits and a heck load of Queen tunes your way! You've got this!

x M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSIE BUTCHER