This morning I woke up to see my Instagram feed and mailbox full of 'Blue Monday' offers from countless shops and websites, but it wasn't until I opened my curtains expecting the sunlight to fill my room, it hit me. The sky was grey, pouring with rain and I wished I could be somewhere hot sunning myself up on a beach somewhere.
As a sufferer of anxiety, the weather has an affect on my mood, and Januarys always a hard month. Christmas and New Year celebrations are over, and the streets are so much gloomier without pretty lights and decorations. But I'm doing my best to control it and be happier and healthier in 2018, so instead of just curling back under the duvet and hiding from the world, here's a list of things that I like doing to try and cheer myself up on gloomy days like today.
DECLUTTER
If you're like me and find cleaning boring, (who doesn't?) try clearing out something that makes you happy. I quite enjoy organising and clearing out my make-up drawers, or sorting out my wardrobe for the new year.
SET UP A BULLET JOURNAL
I love bullet journaling, it makes me feel organised, but it's so much more than just writing in a diary. You can doodle, scribble, and vent out to your hearts content, I especially love creating lists and tracking my moods in it, and you can make it as personalised as you like.
MAKE OR BAKE
Doing something creative, whether it's baking intricate cupcakes, or just trying something new for tonight's dinner, will make you feel accomplished and results in a nice little treat!
PLAN SOMETHING
A weekend trip, a party or even your round the world trip! It doesn't have to be anything realistic, but I always find myself planning trips to Disney, or finding a nice beach to lay on when I'm feeling blue, even though it's unlikely to happen anytime soon..
MEET/CALL A FRIEND
Meeting a friend for coffee, dinner or just a phone call will take your mind off the gloomy weather, and cheer you up instantly. They may be feeling exactly the same way, so talking to each other may help them to!
PAMPER DAY
My favourite thing to do when I'm feeling down is having my own pamper day. Run yourself a bubble bath, light a candle, read a book and just relax. For extra relaxation, maybe add in a face mask and paint your nails a bright cheery colour.
MAKE A PHOTO ALBUM
I love taking photos so much, but I always end up losing track of them on my phone. Get some printed off and make a little photo album. Get creative! Add notes, stickers and other memories to make it extra special.
EXERCISE
Whether it's going for a run, a bit of yoga or some intense cardio or gym time, getting active will increase your energy levels. If exercise isn't really your thing, a short walk, even if it's just round the block, will help clear your head. Don't look at your phone, just take in the fresh air and breathe.
TREAT YOURSELF
Everyone deserves a little treat every now and then, and just because it's January, and Christmas is over, it doesn't mean you can't treat yourself a little. A new perfume, that gorgeous coat you've been eyeing up in the sales, or even just a chocolate bar - don't feel guilty!
LOOK AHEAD
The start of the new year means so many things to look forward to. Make little countdowns to the things you're looking forward to this year whether its a birthday, a wedding, a holiday or a friend meeting. If you haven't - make plans! Book yourself in for a beauty treatment, plan a date night or a party for the future and have something to look forward to!
I hope some of these ideas helped, and that your January, as well as the rest of 2018, is filled with more happier moments.
Thank you for reading,
Becci x
What do you do when you're feeling blue?
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