Beating the January Blues
After the hectic rush of the festive season, January can feel like the longest month of the year. Zoflora is here to help with some top tips to get you through January.
Before we jump in to beating the January blues, let’s take a look at the science behind them. The medical term for the January blues is called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which can impact people in many different ways. Some of the main symptoms are a persistent low mood, a loss of pleasure or interest in everyday activities, irritability, feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day, sleeping for longer than usual, finding it hard to get up in the morning and gaining weight. What causes SAD is still not fully understood, but it's often linked to the reduced exposure we have to sunlight during the autumn and winter months.
With this in mind, it’s more important than ever to take the time to look after your own wellbeing, so here are some top tips to help you this January!
Stay in contact with friends and family
We know this might be a tricky one this year, with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, but contact doesn’t necessarily need to mean “physical contact”. In 2020 we all become masters with video chat apps like Zoom and Facetime. Why not arrange a video quiz with friends and family, or set a weekly slot to check in with the people you love? Talking to others outside your own household can really help improve your mood.
Healthy eating and exercise
Although the Christmas period brings with it some of the most delicious treats of the year, they’re not always the most nutritious, which can add to those sluggish feelings at the start of January. If you received too many sweet treats this Christmas, why not donate the extras to your local food bank, so you can help others whilst kick starting your healthy new year. Eating lots of fruit and vegetables can help boost your immune system, whilst also being a great way to get the vitamins and minerals that were lost over the festive period back into your body. Eat well = feel well.
It’s scientifically proven that exercise helps to lift your mood. It causes our bodies to release feel-good hormones called endorphins, which make you feel happier! Unlike previous years, we can’t all rush to the gym, but who says you need a gym to get fit and healthy?! Why not try an online exercise class, doing this with a friend is a great way to stay committed, and you can support each other too. Going out for a walk, jog or run is another great way to get those endorphins pumping.
Spending time outdoors
With lack of sunlight being one of the main causes of low mood in winter, it's really important to get outdoors and get that much needed vitamin D. Wrap up warm and take a walk round your local area. You might even discover routes you didn’t know about, or hidden treasures you’ve never seen before. If you’re still working from home, make time at lunch to walk round the block. Just a small amount of time outdoors, can really help lift your mood and fight off the January blues.
Cleaning
Although it’s normally something we dread to think of after the hectic holidays, cleaning can be a great way to beat the January blues for a number of reasons.
Firstly, living in a fresh, tidy, and most importantly, clean environment can help give you a sense of control of your surroundings. During these difficult times, having a space you know is sanitary is extremely reassuring. One way of maintaining a hygienically clean home is through the regular use of an effective disinfectant such as Zoflora. It’s scientifically proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including the COVID-19 virus (SARS-Cov-2), whilst eliminating odours and filling spaces with beautiful fragrance for up to 24 hours.
Secondly, the actual task of cleaning can distract from daily life. Why not pop your favourite playlist on, grab a spray bottle filled with diluted Zoflora, and get your clean on. Whether it be a 5 minute Zoflora blast or a full home cleanse, the sense of satisfaction after cleaning can really help lift your spirits.
Did you know cleaning also releases endorphins? Yes, cleaning can be a form of exercise! Light cleaning can burn over 100 calories an hour, whilst more vigorous tasks, such as giving the bathroom a good scrub, can burn over 200 per hour! Not only will you feel better from the hormones released during your cleaning workout, but you’ll also have a hygienically clean home!
Another way to lift your mood is with fragrance. Certain fragrances can help give you a much needed lift, making you feel more motivated and energised, whilst other scents can help you to relax and reduce feelings of stress. Why not try an uplifting fragrance like Lemon Zing in your living areas, and a relaxing fragrance like Lavender in your bedroom. If you fancy trying some new Zoflora fragrances to see how they can help with your January blues, why not buy the Zoflora starter bundle. Choose from a range of fragrances and get them delivered straight to your door!
If you’re reading this and feel like your January blues are a little more than just a low mood. Be sure to reach out for some help and guidance. Check out the full list of support networks here.