January can feel like the longest, toughest month. In fact, I'm fairly sure that there are 792 days in January this year. I've been on a mission to brighten up my January and banish the dreaded January Blues. Here are my top tips for a happier start to the year.
1- Indulge in Some Self-Care
Have a bath, light a candle, treat yourself to that spa treatment, do some yoga, paint your nails, get an early night, you know the drill. Self-care is the easiest way to an instant mood-boost. I have been trying a new thing this year where I try to do something nice for myself every day, and I can tell you, it's been a game-changer.
Gratitude journaling is a super simple way to boost your mood. Get yourself a pretty notebook and write down 5 things you're grateful for every single day. (Bonus points if you've got more than five)
3- Get Cosy
Snuggle up with a blanket and a good book. And maybe a hot chocolate. Oh, and possibly a biscuit or two... mmm.....biscuits....
4-Random Acts of Kindness
This is a sure fire way to brighten your January as well as someone else's. Do something nice for someone- pay a compliment, buy them a coffee, leave a note of positivity for someone to find. It doesn't need to be a huge gesture to make someone's day.
5- Fresh Flowers
I LOVE having fresh flowers in my house. They always make me smile. Treat yourself to a beautiful bunch of flowers and bring nature in to your home. You could even support your local florist and buy them from a small business for extra good feelings.
6- Bring the Sunshine Indoors
Brighten your home with a sunshine print or paper cut and be reminded of the warmth and light of the sun every time you look at it. We love this sunshine framed papercut, or this gorgeous pin for a little piece of sunshine you can keep with you all the time.
7- Try Something New
Roller skating, hand standing, yoga, running, paper crafting, sewing, knitting, baking, whatever brings you joy and gives you a dopamine hit.
8- Have a Declutter
January is the best time of year for a decluttering session. Get rid of unwanted, unused and unloved junk that's just taking up space.
9- Wrap Up and Get Outside
Living in Cornwall, we are so lucky that there's always a beach nearby. However, it's so easy to take the great outdoors for granted and get stuck in a routine of work, home, sofa, bed, repeat. So get the wellies on, break out your cosiest hat-scarf combo and go for a walk. For extra happy feels, bring a flask of hot tea. And you don't have to go anywhere fancy, even a stroll in your local park or woodland should do the trick. Go and appreciate nature!
10-Take a social media break
Stop doom scrolling and do any of the things listed above. Social media can be an amazing place for catching up with family or finding inspiration, but, in reality, it is often a pit of negativity and comparison. Take a little break, set limits, unfollow accounts that don't align with your values, stop checking your phone the second you wake up, and scroll more mindfully. It's a game-changer.
11- Surround Yourself With Positivity
I do love a good positive quote or inspirational saying. Why not adorn your walls with some positivity in the form of a quote or inspirational words? We've created a free printable artwork for you to download, print and frame for some positivity. Here's the link. Simply add to basket and go through the checkout (you won't be charged) to access your free download.
And a final reminder- in less than 1 month, the sun will set after 5pm. Brighter days are coming.
These are our top tips for a happier, brighter January. Did we miss anything?