If you are like me a lover of Christmas and the end of the year celebrations, you surely know this little bit of slack that invites itself once the euphoria of the holidays has subsided. Every year I have a small drop in morale and energy in January! This time of year is often cold, dim and rainy and it’s true that it doesn’t always help to boost morale BUT there are plenty of ways to take advantage of this time and I wanted to TO DO a list of tips for not giving in to the blues at the start of the year!
#1: Extend the holiday spirit at home
Even if the Christmas tree is traditionally taken down at the beginning of the year (personally I never keep it after January 1st), I love using pretty LED light garlands everywhere in our house during the winter, because I find their presence very comforting! I put some in vases, on my dressers or consoles, around mirrors, etc.
I also use candles a lot to create a cocooning and cozy atmosphere at home.. I light it every day, especially in the morning when I meditate or in the evening when it gets dark. Remember to choose them in vegetable wax if possible ???? Personally, I love this Aime candle at the moment and I also really appreciate the brands Wabi-Sabi, Labogie and Apis Cera!
You will enjoy spending time at home even more this subdued and cocooning atmosphere that will make the perfect transition between the end of year celebrations and spring!
#2: Sorting and tidying up
I really like taking the time to sort things out at home at the start of each year, it’s a bit like a rest for me and the opportunity to put things back together and start from scratch! For me there is something almost therapeutic in creating a vacuum by getting rid of unnecessary things or things that you no longer use at home I find, it relaxes me !
I had written you a fairly complete article with my tips for ending clutter at home and in your mind about it, you should like it at the start of the year!
If it’s your wardrobe that you want to sort out, you can also read my article on how I organize and store my clothes from one season to another!
#3: Try hygge
To be pronounced “hu-gueh”, it is a philosophy intended to create a feeling of well-being, cocooning and conviviality, to be shared with family and friends, often around a good table and comforting drinks. I started to take an interest in this concept 4/5 years ago and I am totally a fan of this philosophy which totally corresponds to me, me who adore spending time at home, with my loved ones.
In particular, hygge allowed me to learn to appreciate winter and the moments that this season can offer us. This current of thought is present in all the Nordic countries under different names (“gezellig” in the Netherlands, “lagom” in Sweden, “scoorie” in Scotland etc.) and if you are interested, I recommend the following books which will teach you everything you need to know about this philosophy so comforting this season: The Book of Hygge (the first one I read, very interesting!), The Book of Lagom, the Book of Coorie and The Art of Coorie!
#4: Take care of yourself through food
What we eat has a huge impact on our morale and a balanced diet helps prevent mood disorders! Remember to eat a variety of foods, with as many colorful vegetables as possible. (rich in antioxidants) and seasonal!
If the subject of food interests you, you can (re)read my article on all the essential foods for healthy and tasty cooking! I also have many recipe ideas on my food page!
Finally, infusions are also a great help to drain, soothe and warm up when it’s cold! Personally at this season I opt for spice infusions to keep that holiday spirit ! At the moment I love Pukka’s 3 cinnamon infusions, Kusmi Tea’s Glögg or the wild apple and cinnamon infusion (still at Pukka)!
#5: Set your intentions for the year
As I told you about in my previous article, I really like to take advantage of the start of the year to take stock of the past year and define my intentions for the coming year. If you want to do the same, here are some starters to help you:
- 2022 was the year I…
- In 2022, what were the people or experiences that generated positive emotions for me…
- In 2022, what were the people or experiences that generated negative emotions for me…
- In 2022 I would have liked to allocate more time to…
- In 2022 I would have liked to allocate less time to…
- What was the biggest lesson I took away from 2022…
- In 2023 I want to leave behind me…
- In 2023 I want to continue to ….
- In 2023, I want to start/learn how to…
It’s an excellent exercise to do, alone or with loved ones!
I also really like the idea of choosing a word of the year, a concept proposed by Clotilde Dusoulier and Gretchen Rubin! It’s a really fun exercise to do! Last year I chose “trust” (this year I’m still hesitating) and this word had been a great compass for me over the months!
#6: Get Ready to Celebrate Again
Keep your calendar up to date and don’t miss the next opportunities to bring your loved ones together again : the galette des rois in January, pancakes for Candlemas on February 2, a romantic dinner. get together with loved ones for a friendly moment and above all you can create your own opportunities too!
#7: Treat yourself to a wellness break
Even if this moment is not my favorite of the year, it must be recognized that winter is conducive to cocooning and I love that! At this season I try to take the time to treat myself to well-being breaks regularly, often a massage (you can find here my article on the 5 best massages I tested in Paris) or a yoga class, a sound bath, a breathwork session, etc. Adapt according to what makes you feel good!
#8: Take care of your sleep
Who says good sleep says better morale! Lack of sleep has a huge impact on our general well-being and taking care of your nights is taking care of your mental health! I am passionate about sleep and I have spoken to you about it in detail in this article in which I also give you my tips for improving your sleep. If you want to read a book on the subject, I can only recommend Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker, a gold mine on the subject! We should all read this book!
#9: Move
It’s not a secret, to play sports, Getting moving and moving is essential for mental health! In case of blues, I always try to motivate myself to do a little session of yoga or Pilates or simply to go for a walk for a few minutes, even if it takes all the courage in the world to motivate myself in these moments of blues! When the energy is really not there, a brisk walk with a hot tea in hand or a few minutes of stretching does me a world of good!
Moving releases a cocktail of hormones that naturally helps boost morale! If you’re looking for recommendations, I wrote an article with my favorite videos and apps for working out at home!
#10: Watch comforting movies or series
This season, I love watching Nancy Meyers and Norah Ephron movies! The Virgin River series has this comforting side which is good in this period too (I am finishing season 4)
If you are looking for movie ideas to watch, you can read my article on my favorite romantic comedies!
And you, what are your tips for not letting yourself be overwhelmed by the blues this season? Tell me everything in the comments ???? I’m waiting for your tips!
[ Article publié en janvier 2019 et mis à jour en janvier 2023 ]
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