Turn Blue Monday into Yellow Monday
- Mums Tips
- Fitness & Health
- Published on Monday, 16 January 2023 10:23
- Last Updated on 16 January 2023
- Monica Costa
- 0 Comments
..Happy Blue Monday! Personally, I feel the January Blues. I get sleepy and I enjoy staying indoor like a bear in hibernation.
This year, January feels longer than ever. Plus it does not help to switch on the news and hear about the increase of the cost of living, food prices skyrocketing, the strikes, the wars.
People up and down the country are looking for tips and tricks to ease and eliminate as much stress as possible.
London Mums have put together these simple formula to turn Blue Monday (today) into Yellow Monday (a metaphorically sunny day from the inside out).
Image by dewdrop157 from Pixabay
Turn the phone off and stay off social media
First of all, delete all social media apps from your phone. I have done it over Christmas and I forgot social media even existed. Instead, I focused on socialising in real life with people on the street, my friends and family. Being caught up on social media can sometimes be exhausting and lead to unhealthy comparisons. By turning off your phone, or limiting the time spent on social media, you can shut off the constant updates and remain solely focused on other things that might bring you joy. Instead of getting distracted by technology, you could be reading your favourite books, spending time with family and friends, giving yourself a well-deserved pamper or just taking a nap, whatever relieves stress from your day!
Book of the week: The Phone addiction workbook by Hilda Burke
Music therapy
Listening to music gives the brain a total workout, and we all know how vital brain health is. Personally, music lifts my spirit every time. I sing along, I dance in my kitchen even when I cook or do my chores. By listening to music, you can even reduce blood pressure, improve memory, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. Not only can it reduce stress, but it can elevate moods and clear the way for emotional expression; this is why it is great that there are so many genres of music to choose from; just pick whatever gets you out of a funk and makes you feel good!
Exercise
Although the thought of exercise can sometimes be exhausting especially in January when I only want to sleep, finding the time to get a good workout in the busy schedule can often be the release from a lot of stress. Sometimes getting past the mental barrier of doing physical activity is the only thing holding me back from releasing tension and endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. The exercise doesn’t necessarily need to be intense, and there are many options when it comes to fitting in an hour of increased heart rate.
- I love going on a walk – Whether with friends, family or just by yourself, getting out for some fresh air and moving your body will work wonders. My favourite local Richmond Park is perfect for that.
- Take part in a local exercise class (even Yoga and Pilates would do) or a dance lesson which can be intense but so much fun.
- Take part in an exercise class on zoom or youtube. If physically leaving the house to exercise fills you with dread, you will be pleased to know there are thousands of online classes and pre-recorded free videos of workouts that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
Hobbies
Hobbies are a great distraction and can be the perfect way to relax and forget about the stresses of everyday life. You can even experiment with hobbies that you might have put on the back burner.
Make a list of all the hobbies you would love to try, if you cannot start just as yet. By journaling about it, you are already one step closer to expanding your knowledge, widening your range of skills, keeping your brain working and mind off all things stressful.
Pampering and me-time
Being mindful of your own needs is essential and focusing on self-care will help reduce stress and anxiety tremendously. Some forms of self-care include maintaining a balanced diet and sustaining a healthy sleep schedule. Indulging in pampering is often overlooked. Pampering doesn’t have to break the bank. Forget spa days or trips away; you can easily indulge in pampering at home:
- Take a hot bath or shower.
- Pop on a face mask and read your favourite book – time away from blue light from your phone also helps relax the mind.
- Light some candles and listen to a meditation podcast.
- Treat yourself to your favourite home-cooked meal (or take away if you prefer!).
Does your Blue Monday look a bit more yellow now?
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
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