BaseKit’s tips for beating the January blues

As the festive period ends and the new year begins, the inevitable looming feeling of “January Blues” starts creeping in and it can be seen as a really long and difficult month ahead. But here at BaseKit, we wanted to try and start January off with a bang, and keep our positivity high, to take into February and the rest of 2024. So, our Mental Health and Wellbeing team have shared their ideas on what you can do, to beat those January blues….

Spend time outside

We all know how difficult it is to spend time outside when the weather isn’t on our side and the days are shorter, but here at BaseKit the whole team is offered a fully flexible day to be able to enjoy our free time outside, so if the rain finally stops, and our calendars are free, we’re able to take our breaks as and when we want. This allows us to be able to get outside and spend time doing the things we enjoy.

Our wellbeing champion, Rae, says, “My plan for January and into 2024 is to try and continue participating in all the things I’ve enjoyed in 2023, from cold water swimming to getting outside for a walk in the park.”

With a flexible day and understanding some benefits that getting outside can have, the team here at BaseKit will be making time in our days to enjoy the fresh air. So, like us, make sure you schedule time within your day to get outside, even if this is just 5 minutes to take a break and breathe. By blocking this out in your calendar, you know you’ll get the chance without interruption.

Create routine

The festive break often disrupts our regular routine, and other activities take priority such as socialising and indulgent meals. So when it all ends, getting back into a ‘normal’ routine can seem difficult.

Some of the team have shared what they’re going to do to get back into ‘normal’ life…

“I am going to start creating my routine to help me get back into the rhythm of things, starting with my sleep pattern, making sure I get a good 8 hours a night because to me it really makes a difference”. 

“Making sure I get up every morning, go for a walk and schedule time in my day to do the things I enjoy is so important for my brain. Without creating a routine, however much I fit into it, I feel a lack of control and it affects how I perform day to day.”

To some, routine may not seem important and people may not resonate with any of these feelings, but to others, it can help them feel grounded, and deal with uncertain situations.

Be kind to yourself

Social media will probably tell you that January is time to ‘think of resolutions’, it’s time for a fresh start, and that you should reinvent yourself to start the new year.

At BaseKit, we believe in trying something new and setting goals. Goals can be good to give you a plan and a sense of achievement when you complete them. But when you start to pressure yourself into completing something, or start feeling guilty if you’re not hitting your resolutions, then these positive goals can become counteractive, and make you feel worse about yourself.

Be kind to yourself. January can be a tough time, without the added stress of resolutions. So take a step back and think about what you can do over the long term. Signed up to the gym and haven’t been yet? Then don’t worry, go back in a couple of weeks when it’s a lot quieter and you feel more comfortable. You will be the only one putting these pressures on yourself.

Celebrate the little things

As well as being kind to yourself, celebrating the little things in your day to day life can have a significant impact on your mental health.

Many of us will shrug off the small wins as insignificant and nothing to celebrate, but by taking a step back, realising how often you do this, you’ll realise that actually, you do achieve a lot in your day.

We’d love to set you a challenge – for a whole week, celebrate every small win; remembering to put the washing on, not having that second glass of wine, not pressing snooze on your alarm, taking the bins out in the rain… all of this can be seen as an achievement, especially when things around you can seem overwhelming.

Once you start to get in the habit of celebrating your small wins, you will hopefully start to see some positivity grow from what is normally a bleak month, and every day will seem a little lighter than the next.

We’ve collated some of our favourite articles which can help you beat the January blues – check them out:

Headspace – Self compassion

Mind – The importance of routine

Mind – How nature benefits mental health

No Panic – Celebrate all your little victories

Samaritans – Brew Monday