January gets a hard time as a month doesn't it? The post-Christmas lull certainly puts a dampener on our spirits and makes everything seem a little more…. Glum. The weather certainly isn’t helping the mood either, with most of the North seeing the brunt of various storms which have been hitting the UK recently. January, we hate to say it, but we’re not your biggest fan. However, looking on the bright side, we’re not going to let the bad weather and lack of festive food rain on our parade. Let's have a look at some things which will have you feeling good in no time, with some simple January Mood Boosters.
Feeling Good: Put On Your Dancing Shoes…
Music is an instant mood booster and having a little dance like no one is watching can count as exercise too you know. And how does exercise help your mood? Well, it releases serotonin, which are ‘neurotransmitters’ that makes you feel good from the inside out. Regarded by research to be the chemical which is responsible for mood balance, if you need a quick pick-me-up there’s nothing like a rigorous thrash around to your favourite music. If you’re feeling a little down, sometimes you feel like you should be listening to more sombre music like Radiohead to reflect how you’re feeling - But counteract the mood with the music and crack some Maximo Park or Foster the People on!
Feeling Good: Step Away From the Keyboard!
Work, social media and news sites are pretty good at impacting our happiness. With so much going on in the world and so much time spent in the workplace, try to dedicate some time to stepping away from your keyboard and occupying your time with activities which will benefit your well-being. From a brisk walk to the shop, to chasing the dog around the park, there are so many mood boosters around you which don’t involve technology and most are right under your nose. (yes, we know that's the wrong type of keyboard in the above .gif, but hey, yet another mood booster for you!)
Feeling Good: Brighten Up Your Surroundings
As cheesy as it sounds, by simply adding a few 'happy' colours to your life you can really perk things up a little! If at work you find yourself surrounded by boring grey furniture and plain white walls, why not pop a few plants on your desk? We're not talking sunflowers and daisies (although yellow is a colour often associated with promoting good vibes), but you can pick up a few cacti or succulents from your local *Scandinavian furniture store* and throw a bit of green in there. Even splashing some colour in to your outfit can make you feel a bit happier too. Wearing a boring black suit, or monotone ensemble? Then add in a touch of a contrasting brighter shade in to the mix! A yellow tie pin, or a (dare we say) pink pocket square can radiate positivity, not only for you every time you get a glimpse of it, but for people you meet throughout the day too. Colours like blue are also beneficial for your well-being, as it is known to calm and can somehow reassure your mind, giving a balancing effect.
Feeling Good: Have A Good Tidy Up
How many nights do you get home from a full on day and just want to relax? But then you can't relax because as soon as you open the door it looks like Monica from Friends secret door (which was full of clutter in case you didn't know). Taking a day off to clean your home and organise your surroundings can make the world of difference in the long run, even when cleaning up is the last thing we want to do. But just remember, a cluttered environment can lead to a cluttered mind, so taking one day out to tidy up can make the world of difference.
Feeling Good: Looking Good
A healthy body is a healthy mind and all that... Whilst going to the gym and starting a new fitness regime might be quite the challenge, you can always look good in alternative ways. Why not switch up your grooming game and reinvent yourself in the laziest way possible. Always wanted to grow a beard? Do it! Hair looking a little rugged? Go for a chop! There are plenty of ways you can switch around your grooming routine to help you feel better about your appearance, which may ultimately make you a bit more smug when catching a glimpse of yourself in a mirror... Hey good looking, whatchyu got cookin'?
Whilst these tips may help you to feel a little better during January, we recognise at Mankind that sometimes feeling anxious, upset or down isn’t always a quick win. That’s why we are helping to raise awareness through January of the hard work that the Men’s mental health charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) do. As a network to reassure males everywhere that depression, anxiety and other mental health issues are something that can be spoken about openly without stigma, if you ever feel like you need a helping hand or the support of CALM you can get in touch via their free, confidential accredited helpline and webchat service. These are available every day of the week from 5pm to midnight, staffed by professionals, on 0800 585858 (national) 0808 802 5858 (London) and www.thecalmzone.net. CALM is reg. charity no. 1110621.
