Feeling blue?
Have you got a case of the January blues? You’re not alone.
Today is known as blue Monday, allegedly the most depressing day of the year. It makes sense – the holidays have come to an end, the rush of shopping, cooking, and running from one social event to the next have come to a grinding halt. And to top it off, your motivation to do much of anything is probably pretty low. So how do you fight those post-holiday blues? We’ve got a few simple tips to help get you back on the right path.
1. Give yourself permission to take a break
Already broken those New Year’s resolutions? It’s okay. No really, it’s okay. Cut yourself some slack. You don’t have to accomplish everything by the end of January. Take some time, focus on realistic, achievable goals. Maybe you need to hit the reset button and set some new goals. As long as you intend to ‘get back on the horse’, it’s entirely okay to stop, take a break, and then re-start.
2. Disconnect
This might seem strange coming from on online university, but you have to allow yourself some time to unplug and recharge. Often, even when we are on vacation, we check emails, check-in on social media, and are constantly connected. Practice being fully present with friends, family, and yourself; take small breaks where technology is left behind – go for a walk, meet a friend for coffee, or meditate.
3. Try new things
New Year, new you! Use the start of a new year to step a little outside of your comfort zone and try new things. It doesn’t have to be anything huge, it can be as simple as trying a new food, exploring a tourist destination in your own city, or signing up for a class. It may surprise you what a little curiosity brings.
Most importantly, remember that you are not alone and that help is available. There is help available for free to all Athabasca University Students’ Union members.
