3 ways to Keep the January Blues in check

This has got to be the bluest January we've had in a long time. I'm not going to say the C word but you all know what I mean. Although, without sounding too smug, I have been managing to keep my blues in check. This is not me trying to boast. Rather, I'm going to share with you how I've been doing it. These are my top 3 strategies to bolster your physical and emotional well-being. Hopefully there is something useful in here for you to add into your routine and help you keep the January blues at bay too.

Hello darkness my old friend...

You're probably sick of hearing people harp on about sunlight. But it's SO helpful, and free! Sunlight - especially in the mornings and especially in nature - helps to increase production of serotonin (happy hormone) and decrease the production of melatonin (sluggish hormone).

Get outside for at least 30 minutes per day and if you can afford it, get an SAD lamp. I have mine on a timer so it lights up 10 minutes before my alarm, and now my circadian rhythm feels awesome.

Movement & Your Super Sexy Lymphatic System

Regular movement is vital to maintain a healthy lymphatic system. Oooh a new word. we haven't discussed this before! Let me explain. Your lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating toxins, draining excess fluid, and is critical for the function of your white blood cells and immune system. A dysfunctional lymphatic system will increase your risk of illness and make you feel swollen, stiff, sluggish, constipated, fatigued, depressed, and foggy. No thanks! Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system does not have a heart to pump it around the body. Annoyingly, the lymphatic system only moves one way - working against gravity. So it needs to be pumped manually. The best way to help this circulation, and thus maintain a healthy lymphatic system, is through movement. Movement can include walking, yoga, dancing, sex, and even laughter. So hop to it! Get moving for that sexy healthy lymphatic system feeling.

I aim to move at least a little every day. If you're working at a desk, remember to get up and walk/dance/cartwheel around for a minute or two every so often (I aim for every hour) because lymphatic system needs to be pumped regularly throughout the day, not just once in the morning or evening. Little and often is key. I'd also recommend this stretching sequence every night before bed, the inversion helps the lymphatic system circulation and it'll help you sleep like a baby!

'Meditate' with a cuppa

I suck at meditating. I have never been good at sitting still and just being in the moment. But I have finally found a way that works for me, and it might work for you too. It's a form of moving meditation, although you can do it whilst sitting down. It's really simple, you brew a tea and drink it mindfully. It takes 5 minutes and I'd be drinking a tea anyway. So this way I tune in to myself and get my day off to a lovely start, doing something I'd be doing anyway! Check out this article for more information on how to do it.

Of course, we're all different what works for me may not work for you - except that lymphatic system stuff, that's biological and applies to us all. So there may only be one, or two, things here that work for you. That's fine! You might not be feeling blue at all, in which case please share your coping strategies on Instagram or Facebook and tag me! Sharing is caring. As always, take care of yourself 💛