Combat the seasonal blues this January

From October to January, our calendars go from a few added activities to absolute madness. Then this craziness comes to an abrupt halt after New Year’s Day. For some, this post-holiday period may feel like a massive relief, winding down, relaxing and getting back to reality. For others, sadness can come creeping in. This can be due to a range of factors, from financial hardships following the holiday activities and/or travel to the loneliness some feel with the change of pace, especially if you have to say “I’ll see you later” to your spouse for a deployment or field training. 

Luckily, there are ways to combat the blues and get back to being a happier you!

Tap into your creative side

• Don’t let the freezing temperatures turn you into a statue. Get crafty! Learn a new craft you can do, cozied up on your couch while you binge-watch your favorite show, or to keep you moving with some music in the background. Some ideas include:
  • Needle point
  • Crochet 
  • Knitting 
  • A deployment wall if your spouse is deployed or to prepare for when they go
  • A special Valentine’s Day craft for your spouse
  • If you have children, there are always a million crafts that are fun and easy for the whole family. I recommend using Google or Pinterest for new ideas. 
  • Rearranging your furniture — give yourself a fresh start in a fresh space 
  • Adult coloring
  • Online tutorials for something you’ve always wanted to get better with such as makeup or hairstyling techniques
  • An inspirational board or collage for yourself with pictures, lyrics or positive affirmations

Dig your heels into a new book

• I don’t know about you, but a good book will make me feel like I’m living a whole other life. I forget about everything going on around me, and I dread the moments I have to be pulled away. A few types to consider:
  • Self-help books for goals you may have set for yourself this new year. This can be anything from learning a new skill to learning to cope with past traumas to move on for a new and improved you. There’s a book for everything! 
  • My daughter lives and breathes non-fiction, feeding her mind with as much fascinating information as she can. I don’t quite understand her love, but you may — and now is a great time to find a topic that captivates you. 
  • If you’re like me, this is the time to make yourself a TBR (to be read) list and get cracking! There are so many amazing books out there that you won’t have time to worry about the outside world and you’ll prefer your calendar to stay light, giving you more time to crush through your list. 
  • If you don’t really like reading, check out audio books or podcasts. These might be more your speed. 
  • Don’t knock it until you try it and hear me out: poetry. I didn’t think it was for me until I took the time to really give it a chance, and it might just be right up your alley. 
  • Blogs about whatever you may be most interested in. Like books, there are blogs about everything! Including our next topic, self-care. 

Self-care

• If you are not already setting aside time to pamper and take care of yourself, let 2025 be the year you fall in love with you. How? There are so many ways! And you can thank me later for the changes it’ll make when you start.
  • Journaling or writing
  • Meditating 
  • Taking that nap
  • Scheduling “me” time
  • Trying face masks (a personal favorite)
  • Dancing it out right there in your living room. Go crazy and dance in your underwear.
  • Exercising. It doesn’t have to be intense, it doesn’t have to be at a gym, and it doesn’t have to be in the way you might think. From light stretching, to yoga, or pilates, just get your body moving. 
  • Deep breathing
  • Taking a longer shower than normal, just letting the water wash over you, crying in there for a real cleanse. Trust me, it’s refreshing. 
  • Taking bubble baths. You can combine this with another topic and enjoy a book or audiobook while you soak in the tub. 
  • Painting your nails
  • Getting takeout
  • Singing, even if you can’t, just feels good

The possibilities are endless. Don’t let yourself sit and sulk. Life is too short to make it anything but good. If you know someone who may be struggling with the blues, be sure to not only share this list with them, but check in. If you want to go an extra mile, pick a few things from this list, package them up, and drop them off at their front door. The holidays ending doesn’t mean kindness should.