Monday 24-01-2022 - 12:09

 

Let’s face it – January can be a tough, depressing month. It’s a month full of exams, assignment deadlines, dark and cold evenings, as well as regret over the amount of Christmas chocolate we consumed. So now, it’s more important than ever to make sure we look after ourselves with some self-care as we count down the days to February.

Sidenote: It’s okay to feel a little down and blue this month, but if you feel that your feelings and thoughts are getting too difficult to cope with or seem worse than previous winter months then please reach out for support. You can speak with one of our Advisors or find the relevant support service on our website.

 

Have a chat

Whether it’s sending some texts, calling a friend or family member who lives further away or meeting up with someone for a coffee - as humans we usually feel better after communicating and socialising with someone else. It can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re feeling a bit fed up and as though everything is extra effort, but it’s worth it for the serotonin boost.

Often when we’re feeling a bit down, we can get trapped in the mindset that we’re on our own and are the only ones feeling this way. Having a chat with someone will probably help you realise that lots of us find this time of year difficult and make you feel less alone in it all. For a chance to meet new people to have a chat with, come along to Refreshers Fair and join a new society where you’ll find people with similar interests.

 

 

Boosting Vitamin D levels

January is a time of year when both mornings and evenings are darker, and our time with daylight is a lot shorter. Many people don’t like walking in the dark, which can contribute to reducing time outside and often missing the lighter hours in a day. During this month it might be worth being stricter with your alarm clock to make sure you’re up in good time and not missing out on those key daylight hours. Also, coincide your study breaks with peak sunlight levels and go for a walk to get some fresh air and soak up any vitamin D.

Though, let’s face it, we do live in Manchester! Sunlight isn’t always an option during this time of year, so incorporating vitamin D rich food or supplements into our diets is also an option.

Food items include:

• Oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel
• Red meat
• Egg yolks
• Fortified foods – such as some fat spreads and breakfast cereals

Correct levels of vitamin D can help regulate our moods and boost our energy – both vital components for coping mechanisms this January.

Source: Shuttershock

 

 

Self-care

We hear this phrase a lot and it may not always be clear what it means, but essentially, it’s finding activities that make us feel happy. We should all take time to look after ourselves, our minds and bodies, and take time out of our day to slow down.

Self-care activities could include:

Taking time out of day purely for ourselves will boost our moods and reward us with the coping mechanisms to tackle more difficult moments.

• Pampering: Nail care, washing your hair, face masks, moisturising etc
• Individual activities: Reading a book, playing a video game, watching a film, drawing
• Organising: Cleaning your room, organising your clothes, organising cluttered spaces
• Time outs: Listening to music or podcasts, yoga, mindfulness, workouts

Taking time out of day purely for ourselves will boost our moods and reward us with the coping mechanisms to tackle more difficult moments.

Source: Good Housekeeping

 

 

Don't be so hard on yourself

It’s completely okay to not be okay. Whilst it’s good to look into coping mechanisms and ways to boost your mood, sometimes it’s alright to just be sad and fed up for the day.

If you do find yourself in a bad mood or like you’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed this month - it can be good to practice gratitude. Ground yourself and acknowledge your feelings, and then think about what you’ve got to be grateful for in your life. Hold onto these positives and remember there are plenty of services here at The Union to help you along the way throughout these winter months.