More than one quarter of Brits have the ‘January Blues’ and admit to feeling more miserable than they do at any other time of the year. A study of 2,000 UK adults has revealed that the first month of the year can be bleak for many. (SWNS Digital)
Top Causes of January Blues
The top stated causes for January blues include:
- A lack of money after overspending through the festive period
- The weather
- The dark nights and lack of daylight
- The magic of Christmas being over and going back to work
- The pressure of New Year’s resolutions
How to overcome the January Blues
Whether it be professionally or personally, I think the best way to get through January (and let’s face it February too!) is to set realistic targets and small goals to keep you focused, motivated and excited for the year ahead.
Make lists and set goals
Buy new stationary, treat yourself to a new notebook and start making lists. They don’t have to be just for January. Set goals for how you want your year to look. Write it in pencil – be flexible with what you want to achieve. Life can throw curve balls often, rub it out and reassess. You don’t want your goals to feel like a burden, move them around, change them or get rid altogether. Even if your goals are completely wild and something you’re not likely to do, but is a desire, write these things down too. Putting them out there, saying them out loud is more likely to make them come to fruition.
Reflect
Look back at the year that has gone by. Look at what you achieved and be proud of yourself. Also, consider anything that you wish had a different outcome and if there was anything that you could have done differently. This will help with future goals.
Hobbies
This is a big cliché! But is there anything you have always wanted to take up but haven’t gotten around to it? Even just having a think about what you enjoy and how to make sure you make more time to do these things.
Plan trips
Think about the year ahead and places you like to visit. Theatre shows you would like to see, restaurants you’d like to go to.
Check in on other people
If you’re not the kind of person that suffers with the ‘January blues’, reach out to the friends and colleagues who may have gone a bit quiet over this period.
Be challenged at work
After the frenzy of December, January can be a bit of a lull. Ask your employer if you can take on some training or look at new projects you can start. If your employer can’t offer training or new challenges, maybe it’s time to look at other opportunities available on the job market and consider making your next career move. We are always available for a confidential and no pressure chat about career opportunities in the legal and finance sectors. Experienced recruitment specialists, we offer support at each stage of your job search; From updating CVs, sourcing job opportunities, arranging interviews and supporting you with preparation; managing offers and negotiating contracts.
Written by Shelley Gilchrist, Finance Resourcing Consultant.
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