The January blues really do exist
There is even a term for it: situational depression
For me, January resembles a 31-day Tuesday. Epitome of boring, in short. And although I normally find myself quite cheerful and cheerful, in January it's hard to get those corners of my mouth up. So I snooped a bit on medical sites and it's actually a recognised phenomenon: the winter dip, also known as situational depression.
Where does it come from?
The days were also short, cold and wet in December, but then you did everything you could to make it cosy. You sprinkled euros like they were confetti, didn't count calories but racked your brains on how to condense as many courses as possible in a day, you dipped everyone around you in love, if you didn't have Michael Bublé on then John Legend was around and so on.
The contrast between two months could not be greater. The tree is falling out, your bank account where there was once a mountain has become a deep well, everyone around you is doing Dry January, everyone wants to lose weight or at least cut down and the only mail that has fallen on the mat are a traffic fine and a call for a smear test.
These are the symptoms
- Sleep problems (I tick)
- Little need for social contacts iI hate it, but I also very much Netflix and cocoon need)
- Not enjoying activities
- Concentration problems
Is there anything you can do about it?
Yes, thank God. Although the doctor's tips also feel a bit dry. Here they come.
- Hiking
Might sound incredibly boring. At least, I quite like walking, but in the January month, the boring world hits me in the face even harder. On the other hand: exercise is good for you and the vitamin D you get from the daylight will cheer you up. And check out that nice walking book by Claudia Straatmans for great routes.
- Engage in sports
Your blood flows, you get more oxygen into you and, as a result, you will produce happiness hormones.
- Do your crap jobs
This is a tip from me, not from the doctor, but for me it always relieves to tick off everything I'm a bit anxious about. For the wire with that phone call that keeps you awake, hup, now take those bikes to the bike shop. You'll still be in your bed at night, satisfied. And oh yes, I even made an appointment for that smear test.
- Find a hobby
Another tip from the doctor. Think of something that makes you happy and that you really want to do and sign up. For that course, or really a boost: book that holiday.
Nothing beats preview.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and eat healthy
(Tip of the hat, you thought.)
- Just get out anyway, before you know it the month will be over
- Oh, and another tip (from me, not the doctor):
I would cut down on everything in January, but to go completely alcohol-free right away, I will postpone that resolution for a while and stick to alcohol-free...
Image: @inetackenphotography
