Beating the January Blues: Tips for a Fresh Start at Uni
2025-01-20
January can be a challenging time for most people. However there are ways to uplift your spirits and start the year in a positive way. Here are 5 ways you can help beat those January blues.
Take time to switch off
From assessment to preparing yourself for the next semester to other commitments outside of your studies, January is certainly a busy time as a student. With so much going on, you need to ensure you take a mental health break and chill out. Here are some suggestions on how to switch off:
Physical Exercise: A short walk or jog outside can clear your mind and release endorphins, reducing stress. It can also help brush off any cobwebs and help boost your mood and energy levels.
Creative Activities: Engaging in a hobby like painting or playing an instrument allows you to focus on something fun and distracting, helping you forget about work.
Social Activities: A social night with friends or family can be a really good way to reset.
Journal or writing: Writing down your thoughts or reflecting on the positive aspects of your day can change your focus from stress to gratitude.
Don’t set yourself unrealistic resolutions
Exercise more, save money, get organised. These are the kind of goals we try to stick to in January to kick the year off positively. However, they’re often forgotten about by March because they are either unrealistic or too vague. This can then leave us feeling unhappy when we don’t complete them. If you do want to set yourself a resolution or two, make them smaller and more reachable. For example, do half an hour of exercise or give yourself a day to do something you enjoy. This way, when you do complete these it’ll boost your mood massively.
Try something new
Nothing beats the sense of achievement when you learn a new skill or try something you have always wanted to do. Being creative is a good way to reduce your stress levels. Try something to kick those January blues. Take up cooking classes, test your flexibility through dancing, or try knitting or crochet.
Eat and drink well
What you eat can have a massive impact on the way you feel. When we feel low, we typically reach for the snack cupboard and eat something unhealthy. Even though a treat every once and again is perfectly fine, having a balanced diet is important. Here are some foods that are supposed to improve your mood:
Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines)
Dark Chocolate
Bananas
Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries)
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale. Swiss Chard)
Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds)
Avocados
Whole Grains (Oats, Brown Rice, Quinoa)
Probiotic-Rich Foods (Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut)
Turmeric
Green Tea
Eggs
Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons)
Legumes (Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas)
Sweet Potatoes
Be kind to yourself
A lot of people can feel down and lack energy in January. That is why it is so important to know that it’s okay to feel this way. Try not to isolate yourself, reach out to your family and friends for support. Sometimes chatting to someone you know can make a big difference.
Beating the January Blues: Tips for a Fresh Start at Uni
2025-01-20 / Published by Rentinc
January can be a challenging time for most people. However there are ways to uplift your spirits and start the year in a positive way. Here are 5 ways you can help beat those January blues.
Take time to switch off
From assessment to preparing yourself for the next semester to other commitments outside of your studies, January is certainly a busy time as a student. With so much going on, you need to ensure you take a mental health break and chill out. Here are some suggestions on how to switch off:
Physical Exercise: A short walk or jog outside can clear your mind and release endorphins, reducing stress. It can also help brush off any cobwebs and help boost your mood and energy levels.
Creative Activities: Engaging in a hobby like painting or playing an instrument allows you to focus on something fun and distracting, helping you forget about work.
Social Activities: A social night with friends or family can be a really good way to reset.
Journal or writing: Writing down your thoughts or reflecting on the positive aspects of your day can change your focus from stress to gratitude.
Don’t set yourself unrealistic resolutions
Exercise more, save money, get organised. These are the kind of goals we try to stick to in January to kick the year off positively. However, they’re often forgotten about by March because they are either unrealistic or too vague. This can then leave us feeling unhappy when we don’t complete them. If you do want to set yourself a resolution or two, make them smaller and more reachable. For example, do half an hour of exercise or give yourself a day to do something you enjoy. This way, when you do complete these it’ll boost your mood massively.
Try something new
Nothing beats the sense of achievement when you learn a new skill or try something you have always wanted to do. Being creative is a good way to reduce your stress levels. Try something to kick those January blues. Take up cooking classes, test your flexibility through dancing, or try knitting or crochet.
Eat and drink well
What you eat can have a massive impact on the way you feel. When we feel low, we typically reach for the snack cupboard and eat something unhealthy. Even though a treat every once and again is perfectly fine, having a balanced diet is important. Here are some foods that are supposed to improve your mood:
Fatty Fish (Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines)
Dark Chocolate
Bananas
Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries)
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale. Swiss Chard)
Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Chia Seeds)
Avocados
Whole Grains (Oats, Brown Rice, Quinoa)
Probiotic-Rich Foods (Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut)
Turmeric
Green Tea
Eggs
Citrus Fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons)
Legumes (Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas)
Sweet Potatoes
Be kind to yourself
A lot of people can feel down and lack energy in January. That is why it is so important to know that it’s okay to feel this way. Try not to isolate yourself, reach out to your family and friends for support. Sometimes chatting to someone you know can make a big difference.
