Happy & Healthy

JANUARY BLUES

I always think that winter is over in January. What a disappointment, because King Winter has only just begun. I'm not made for this, guys; January and I are just not friends. That just a bit too cozy month with wine, cheese platters, chocolate, oliebollen, and waffles is over. And now everything has to hit the brakes, with green juices, bowls of broth, and nibbling on carrots. Yes, the resolutions. And then that weather, it's enough to cry. Wet, cold, and gray. And that wallet? Empty. Just like the bank account. January, what am I supposed to do with you? I have seven tips for you, because this is how we survive that month.

1. Make your home cozy

I'm happy when the Christmas tree can go out, but there’s such an empty spot in your living room. It was really just as empty a few weeks ago as it is now. Go to the garden center and buy a large plant. It looks nice and is also good for some oxygen in your home. Really, plants purify the air and are good for the humidity in the house.

2. Put your phone away

Have you heard about my new appointment with myself? No? Then read this. My phone goes on airplane mode at 8:00 PM and I'm only reachable the next morning after exercising. Why? Because it brings a lot of peace to my mind and I have time for things you don't make time for (because of social media). Now I've finished a book in four days and I sleep much better. Believe me, you wake up reborn the next morning.

3. Plan a spa day

And now you might think: yes, but I'm broke. But a night out is just as expensive as a day of pampering. And I don't mean you have to book massages, manis, and pedis, but just a nice day sweating in the sauna and bubbling in the jacuzzi is already very nice after this heavy month (think of alcohol, late nights, and a lot of food). You'll feel better, believe me.

4. Get to work

Google banoffee pie. I don't know a more calorie-rich cake than this, but man oh man, those blues disappear like snow in the sun. Just ask your girlfriends, because a cake like that alone is a little too much.

5. Go for a walk

Right now you want to hide under the covers, but it's better not to. In a dark, gray month like this, it's important that you get enough daylight. So take a little walk during your lunch break; a bit of fresh air does you good.

6. Clean out your wardrobe

No, not yet swapping that winter wardrobe for our denim shorts and cute blouses, but let's be honest: a quarter (or maybe even half) of what’s in your closet, you don’t wear or barely wear. Accept Marie Kondo's help and get a whole pile out the door. Don't throw it away, but take it to the Salvation Army, for example. Bet this will give you a good feeling?

7. Don't focus too much on your resolutions

All nice, those good resolutions, but don't get too fixated on them, because then it’s a big fat disappointment if you fail. Be kind to yourself. It's fine if you want to exercise more, but if it goes a bit less well for a week, accept that and try again next week. And just a little about that fries you’re going to devour tomorrow night after going out: that doesn’t ruin your resolutions.

8. It will pass

And this month will pass too, dear friends. And you are happy not the only one who has to deal with the January blues. So chin up, summer is closer than you think.