How to Run into the New Year with a Spring in your Step

The kids are (somewhat unwillingly) back at school and you’re down. Sure, it feels great to have a taste of normality back, but the New Year blues are still going strong.

It’s common, especially at the start of the year, to feel demotivated or even in a sulk. Trust us, you’re not alone in this. Whether taking the kids back to school was a feat in itself or you just don’t feel right, here’s some tips to get your 2023 mojo going.

Take time for you

As cringe-worthy as it may feel, it’s really important that you put some time aside for yourself. Yes, the goal-setting prompted by the change in the year is great, but often times this can cause you to lose sight of yourself. Think about how you’re feeling – anxious, down, demotivated – and ask yourself how you’d want someone to cheer you up. Although it sounds cliché, we often forget that we can give ourselves the support that we need. Whether that’s taking yourself out for dinner or having a pamper night in, scheduling time in for yourself is a top priority. When you’re on top form, you give out positive energy to those around you.

Get back to nature

With the expectations of the new year, things can seem unachievable at times and this can have a huge impact on your mental health. We always approach these situations with the same mentality: will things seem as complicated or drastic once you’ve had a drink of water and taken yourself on a walk? Albeit, the weather at the minute doesn’t help encourage ourselves to get out. However, once you’ve taken that lap around the block or strolled in country lanes, the load might seem a bit lighter.

Check in with friends

The advantage of Blue Monday is that a large majority of people around you will feel a similar way. We often bond in times of hardship, so share your struggles with your nearest and dearest so that you can off-load. It often helps to get a second opinion and eliminates some of the loneliness you may be feeling.

Reach out to your school for support

Schools often form supportive and open communities. In our experience, these communities create great spaces to share the struggle, especially if it’s around parenthood. Speaking to your school about how you’ve been struggling and exploring the potential ways in which they can help you might help.

Meditation

There’s a taboo around meditation, we get it. But once you start meditating and dedicating quiet time to yourself, you’ll grow your inner peace. You can meditate in your own space quite easily with no equipment needed, just a YouTube video or a TikTok tutorial. Give it a try (judgement-free!) and you may find a brilliant tool to calm your mind.

Talk to someone

If things seem exceptionally bad, it might be best to speak to someone about the struggles or worries you’re having. Whether that’s your GP or a parent’s support group, you can speak to people outside of your immediate group to work out how to help yourself.

Everyone has mental health and your health is a priority!