Beat the January blues with our speedy tips for boosting wellbeing
Feeling chilly, bank balance not looking too healthy and riddled with guilt over Christmas indulgence? With the decorations back in the loft and the festivities now behind us, there are many reasons why you might be feeling an emotional and physical slump. In fact, January is universally thought to be so depressing that the first Monday of the third week is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’. The good news? There are things you can do to shift your focus and leave you feeling instantly happier, says psychology expert Bayu Prihandito from lifearchitekture.com. So, we asked our experts to share their best mood fixers to try today…
CLEAN THE HOUSE
Just like going for a brisk walk, cleaning and tidying can give us a buzz. The physical exertion of cleaning releases endorphins which interact with the receptors in the brain, triggering a positive feeling in our bodies. ‘Our outer world often affects our inner world so if we’re surrounded by clutter, that will often be reflected in our mood,’ says Bayu. ‘Transforming a mess into something cleaner and calmer is instantly, visibly gratifying – which can create feelings of contentment.’
TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES AND SOCKS…
Feeling the earth beneath bare feet is a quick way to reset mood, connecting us to the feeling of something bigger. ‘Put on some warm clothes, make yourself a flask of tea and take 10 minutes to stand outside with your bare feet on the ground,’ says yoga teacher, Hayley Court from Forest Retreats. ‘The transfer of electrons from the earth to the body also boosts the immune system, triggering red blood cells, reducing inflammation and improving sleep.’
…THEN PUT ON YOUR SLIPPERS
‘Our feet help to regulate our body temperature and have 72,000 nerve endings corresponding to different areas of the body, so when they’re warm and comfy, we feel content and happy,’ says Anna Elshafei, founder of Shaffay Slippers. ‘There’s evidence that physical warmth has an antidepressant effect,’ adds Dr Christopher Lowry, who says that simple ways of getting warm, like cosy socks and slippers, are effective strategies when you want to feel happier.
WEAR SOMETHING YELLOW
Did you know that colours give off bands of energy? ‘Yellow invokes sunshine and happiness while green can create a sense of balance a
