Following the partying and celebrating over Christmas and New Year it’s no wonder that life feels a bit flat and dull in January.
What with failed resolutions, cold weather, dark nights and mornings, tight waistlines and even tighter purse strings/bank balances, not to mention epidemics of flu, swine flu and the winter vomiting bug, dieting and back-to-work blues, most people are feeling down in the dumps!
According to the Samaritans, suicide levels peak in January.
But worry not because here are some top tips to make you feel more chirpy, energetic and ready to tackle the year ahead.
1. Take regular exercise. Not only will it help in the battle of the post-Christmas bulge but studies show that exercise is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression. And the good news is that you only need to do 30 minutes of activity a day to release those feel-good endorphins to the brain.
2. Getting enough sleep is also key to feeling good about yourself. Sleep experts advise getting into a regular pattern of 7 to 8 hours sleep each night rather than sleep catch-ups at the weekend. After a season of partying it’s essential to reset you body clock.
3. Stock up on feel good foods such as nuts and pulses and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna. Studies have linked low mood with diets low in folate so start munching on cabbage, sprouts and broccoli. Obviously all fruits and vegetables have positive effects on the body and mind too.
Posted: 18. January 2011 11:54