It’s no coincidence that January is known as the most depressing month of the year….. Christmas is over, many people are feeling the financial effects of over-spending, the weather is cold and wet, the days are short and the long lazy days of summer and holidays seem like a lifetime away.

But don’t worry, we’ve got some great ideas to help you beat those January blues. In fact, we think just a quick trip to North Wales and the Oakeley Arms will cure most cases of the winter blues. The big skies, stunning scenery, gorgeous coast and of course a drink and some delicious food in the Oakeley. But of course, we are a teeny bit biased, so just in case you can’t get to see us anytime soon, here’s 10 ways to help you beat the January blues…..

• Get some exercise – exercise is known to release feel-good chemicals in the brain called endorphins. It will also help you sleep better and give you more energy!
• If Christmas has left you feeling like the house is sinking in unwanted gifts and clutter then having a clear out can really help your mind. A peaceful home equals a peaceful mind.
• Be sociable – although you may feel like hibernating, getting out and seeing friends can seriously cheer us up.
• If you’re feeling fed up, why not set some goals to help motivate yourself. Think seriously about an area of your life you want to improve and devise an action plan to work towards that goal. Having small daily, weekly and monthly steps can all help reach a bigger goal.

image by asif akbar

• Learning something new is a great way to keep your mind active, give you something to look forward to and even helps to meet new people, which gives us all a different perspective on life.
• Booking a holiday is a great way to boost your mood because it gives you something to look forward to. Obviously we think a holiday in north wales would be best, but anywhere will do!
• Give something back to the community – why not volunteer in your local community. It could be on a charitable committee or even in a charity shop, dogs home or homeless shelter. Doing a good deed has proven to release mood-boosting serotonin.
• Getting creative is a great mood-boosting tool because it instills calm and discipline. Be it painting, drawing, writing, crafts or even just reading a book. Find a hobby that will inspire you.
• A serious mood booster is getting out into nature. If it’s a dry day why not have your morning coffee outside, go for a walk or even just spend five minutes breathing in the fresh air. Being outside, even in an urban environment, can really boost our mood and lift our vitamin D levels, which is essential for wellbeing.
• Beat the blues by taking a day to spoil yourself. Book a spa day, go for a walk, visit a friend, go shopping or even have a duvet day. Whatever balances the mind to help you stay calm.

Image by Gary White