After all of the holiday hype, how do you bounce back from the January 2nd crash?
The Holiday Season starts earlier every year. Retailers deck the halls before Halloween, stretching Christmas Cheer out over 8 weeks. After the ball drops at midnight, reality sets back in and everything you’ve pushed off until the new year awaits your attention. Couple that with the bitter cold and it’s no wonder January is the most depressing month of the year. Much like avoiding holiday burnout, a few simple rules will set you up for success.
-Set reasonable resolutions: Sure, we all join the gym in January, but how many of us follow through and show up for regular workouts? Perhaps start with something simple, like include fresh fruits and veggies in your daily diet. Basic, but realistic enough to become a new normal.
-Bundle up and go outside: Vitamin D is your friend, absorbing some from the sun is a natural antidepressant. Day or night, the USN Whitewater Center is always worth the $6/car fee. Check out the Lights installation by local artist, Meredith Connelly for a night out on the trails.
-Deep clean and declutter: January is ripe for cleaning the house. Start with one space at a time to prevent completely overwhelming yourself. Separate everything into 3 piles: keep, donate, and trash. If you have nice things, try selling on Facebook Marketplace or the Nextdoor app. Detach from the sentimental value and give yourself the gift of clean. Rearranging furniture and pictures is a cost-effective way to freshen up your space.
-Try some new recipes: Get out of the food rut with some new ingredients. Lidl has a hopping produce section that’s definitely worth checking out for inspiration. Endives, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, and carambola (star fruit) will jazz up your regular dishes. When in doubt, Pinterest dinner ideas.
-Swing by your local library and pick up something free to read! Giving your eyes a break from screens, especially in the evening will boost your ability to fall asleep.
What have you tried in the past that has made all the difference in your new year? Share your tips with us on our Facebook page!