January is a month for new beginnings, fresh starts and blowing off the Christmas cobwebs! However, on January 17th, it’s also the dreaded Blue Monday, dubbed the “most depressing” day of the year.
Blue Monday is the height of the January blues for many, possibly because it’s chilly outside; you’re back at work, and the festive buzz is simply a distant memory.
This year, we’re on a quest to help you beat the January Blues with our favourite methods of bringing joy and optimism into your life, whether it’s on Blue Monday or any other day.
Keep yourself busy!
As much as we all try to deny it, lying around on the sofa all day won’t brush away those Monday blues. Why don’t you try something new or learn how to cook a new recipe?
Treat yourself to a nutritious homemade vegetable stew or soup while it’s freezing outdoors. Root veggies are not only inexpensive but also in season. Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and other root vegetables, combined with stock and seasoning, form a warming, hearty winter warmer that will brighten up any dismal January day. Add meat, lentils, beans, or pearl barley to taste. Serve with crusty bread and parsley on top. Yummy!
Relax with a book
The beauty of a good book is that it can transport you to another world. Why not pick up a book from the library or re-read an all time favourite and escape the world with a nice hot brew for an hour or two?
How about setting up your very own Maguires park book club? A great way to meet new neighbours and get together with friends.
Walk off those winter blues
First things first, starting your day with a stroll around your Maguires park, be it down by the river at Newbus Grange or along the shores of the beautiful beaches of Bamburgh – getting some fresh air will do you the world of good.
Everyone needs a little pep in their step, and as you are probably aware, exercise has been scientifically proven to lift your mood by producing endorphins. So, step outside and start your day feeling upbeat, rejuvenated, and stress-free.
We’re lucky to be surrounded by lovely walking pathways at our Maguires Country Parks, perfect for boosting your energy and beating those blues!
Get a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is one at the top of our list to brighten yourself up. After all, no one is ever happy when they are exhausted!
We’ve all had those days when all you want to do is eat, relax, and snuggle into bed. Consider a moment when you were well-rested, cosy, and warm…and angry. Can you think of anything? No, you can’t! How can you be angry or unhappy when you’re snuggled beneath a nice duvet, especially if you’re in your holiday home? To us, that sounds like perfect bliss.
We hope we were able to overcome your Blue Monday blues. Will you try any of these suggestions, or do you have any helpful hints for combating the winter blues? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
