Everyone has heard of the January Blues. That time of year when the rush is over, the money all spent on extravagant last-minute buys, the festive things are packed away for another year, its cold, dark and there is hardly any sun. Its easy to feel a bit down. But I am noticing that more and more people are still feeling this way when Friday next week is the 1st of February. Now that just will not do at all, not if I have a say! So sit back my dears and listen, er, read.
Those silly new years resolutions. You broke them the 2nd of January and its ok. There is an entire year to get back on track. Hell, I still buy fruit to decorate the fridge and table, not to eat! I gave up the walking and have turned to swimming. Maybe have a look into an alternative hobbie/activity/event that you originally planned to do this year if its not working out for you.
Don't feel down about a tight budget. There are loads of things you can do that needs little or no money at all! For instants, those creative types out there why don't you start a blog? Its fun, free and something nice to keep your mind active. Or why not read? You can join your local library for free and there are lots of resources. If all that is not to your taste and your more of the social variety how about volunteering? You can pick hundreds of things from helping elderly neighbours with shopping to fundraising to helping animals to going to your local community centre to help with sessions for a few hours. You will be surprised by how much you enjoy it, make new friends and have something to feel positive about. You might even find yourself wanting to do it long term.
Give yourself a good spring clean: Out with the old and in with the new as they say. Go on, do a big clean out of your bedroom. Throw out rubbish hidden under the bed, sort through shoes, books and clothes and then either give them to family,charity or even try your hand on Ebay. Alternatively you could ask your friends to do the same thing and then meet up and swap items you would like.
Eat yourself happy people: Yes, you heard me right. Spinach is full of folic acid, magnesium, vitamins A and C. It will improve your mood. Eggs have protein which means you feel full longer and are more alert. Its bursting with omega-3, zinc, vitamins B, D and B12. That ticks healthy teeth, hair and nails off the list for you. Dark chocolate is a treat and releases mood-lifting endorphins while being lower in fat and sugar then milk chocolate. 3 bars I hear you say?! And then lastly Garlic. I promise it wont keep the Cullens away and it is fantastic to help your mood, energy and blood flow. Mmm, yum!
Make lists: Get some paper, do it in your head, blog it, facebook it or email it. Lists are wonderful and I am a big fan. Take time to think about what you would like to do this year. Write down lists of places you want to visit, even if its just pretend. Spend time with your dreams and have a happy page at the end of it to enjoy re reading. I'm not a big traveller so I like to write lists of all my favourite songs and bands I hope to see one day. Of course they will come to play in my living room, only when I invite them and whenever I want....
Enjoy the people you love: You do not know everything about a person, no matter what you think. Take time to go and see that friend that you only really see when in a group and don't talk much. Go visit your grandparents and ask them about when they were young, its stories they love telling and you wont get to hear them always. Tell your neighbours you'll help paint the gate when their doing it in the summer. Being with people, talking, listening and spending time is the best thing you can do. Its 100% free and makes you feel happy. So why sit online all day or on your own between school/college/work when there are people you love right there?
Remember it takes a whole lot more muscles to frown then it does to smile, so smile and I hope everyone will be a little happier today.
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