While many of us start a new year with optimism and a desire to take on new goals, after the excitement of Christmas, many of us feel deflated and unmotivated. Returning to work, the fact that winter is still going strong, and unfavorable weather can all make us feel a little down. There are strategies to boost your mood at what can be a challenging time of year for many, even if a new year doesn’t necessarily require major changes.
5 Lifestyle Changes to Make for 2023
Be Kind to Yourself
‘Blue Monday’ is observed in the middle of January for a reason. Blue Monday, which falls on January 16 this year, is regarded as the most melancholy day of the year. While it may sound depressing, it’s crucial to keep in mind that many individuals find this to be a challenging time of year and that it’s okay if you’re not experiencing the ‘new year, new me’ optimism.
Find ways to be kind to yourself rather than forcing yourself to work out or, worse, beating yourself up for being unmotivated. Schedule a massage or ask a friend over for a warm cup of coffee indoors. Every day, set aside some time to relax on the couch with a good book and a weighted blanket. We’re all capable of being too hard on ourselves, but now more than ever, it’s crucial to look after your mental health.
Start the Day in a Positive Way
Every morning, if at all feasible, take the time to sit down and eat breakfast. It may feel like a punishment for some people to get out of bed a little earlier, but skipping the morning rush and taking some time to unwind with a book or podcast while you eat and drink coffee is a terrific way to set yourself up to feel more upbeat for the day.
Don’t be Afraid to Take a Step Back
It might be all too tempting to bury our heads in the sand and keep going when we are having trouble with anything. This can spare us from having to face our problems head-on. Even though you might not feel quite ready to face what is bothering you, keep in mind that taking a break and starting over is perfectly OK. When you pause for a few minutes, this might work wonders and you could discover that you are able to handle what you were finding challenging.
When you’re having trouble, try breathing exercises to calm your anxious system. Melo can be an excellent tool to help you with your breathing and can aid in the formation of good habits.
Make Improvements to Your Environment
Today, it can seem like there are so few things in our control. While it’s vital to let go of the things you can’t change, you might find that working to make your immediate environment better makes you feel more at peace.
A peaceful, uncluttered environment is necessary for a calm mind, and this is especially true for the areas where you work and sleep. Consider organizing and even renovating your workspace to encourage concentration and original thought, and your bedroom to promote calmness and rest. Plants and other natural elements, as well as room sprays and diffusers, can be immensely calming. Consider purchasing an air purifier this year if you want to improve the quality of the air in your home and make it healthier.
Consider Goals for the Year When you Feel Ready
Many of us feel a lot of pressure to make New Year’s Resolutions, and when we don’t stick to our resolutions, we feel like failures. Just because it feels appropriate for some people doesn’t imply it’s the ideal time for you. A new year doesn’t always mean we have to make a lot of changes.
We may feel a lot of pressure to follow suit as everyone is writing about their 2023 objectives on social media. Recognize that just because you don’t establish objectives now doesn’t exclude you from doing so later in the year, when you feel motivated and committed to attaining them. Instead, think about taking a break from social media in January.
It might be an odd time of year in January. If you have any plans for change this month, focus on being nice to yourself, taking care of yourself, and moving at your own pace in an environment where there is a lot of pressure and difficulty.