How to have a happy and positive January

January has rolled around again and it’s traditionally the month where we all feel a little bit down. Payday feels like it’s years away, the magic of Christmas has disappeared and the cold and dark mornings seem even more miserable. I don’t know too many people who actually enjoy January and I’m including myself in that too. This year though I’m aiming to change my outlook on the first month of the year and have a happy and positive January and I’m sharing how you can have a great start to the year too.

January is a fresh start. I know that really a new calendar year is just an arbitrary marker for new beginnings but take it and run with it. Rather than thinking all the fun of Christmas has gone, try and focus on what fun and new things the new year will bring you. See January as the month to get the year in order, a great January will lead to a great year. Rather than focusing on what’s gone and how much you hate January alter your thinking to see January as a positive start to what’s going to be a great year. A simple change in how you think can make the world of difference. I’m usually the first one to say I’m not looking forward to January but I’ve been reminding myself of all the good things I have to look forward to this year and that January is the beginning of that journey and by the end of December I really felt ready to kick off the new year and for once I was actually excited for January!

I hate tidying. There’s so many other things I could be doing that are much more fun but when this time of year rolls around it’s definitely time to declutter. It’ll help with the fresh start feeling and a tidy house makes for a peaceful mind. Tackle all the spaces that are probably used as dumping grounds first such as spare rooms, kitchen drawers, TV cabinet drawers and do yourself a big favour, empty out that wardrobe! I definitely feel better for after a declutter and tidy up in January. Christmas is fun but with so many extra things in the house from trees and decorations and presents there’s something really calming about tidying all that a way, throwing out old stuff and getting the house clean and tidy. When you’re done reward yourself with a big cuppa and light some fresh smelling candles and enjoy the wave of peace and calm as it washes over you!

Things won’t run smoothly 100% of the time and January can be tough but if you try and find the positives on every day then it’ll help but things into perspective. Focusing on the good can help you get through a lot of things. Try writing down positive points at the end of each day. Take a quiet moment before bed to reflect on the day and find the good in it. You could write them in a journal, on the notes in your phone or there’s even apps you can download. It really doesn’t matter how you do it as long as you have that time to see that there are good bits in every day. It doesn’t always have to be big stuff either, as long as it made you happy and had a positive impact on your day. Joy can be found in the little things too.

I’m not the biggest fan of new years resolutions but I think it’s good to have some goals for the year as a way to focus on what you want. Don’t see them as things you have to achieve over the next 12 months in order to have a good year but rather as things to work towards. They don’t have to be completed just making a small start on them is better than nothing. Also they don’t have to be super specific, sometimes when you get too specific you end up putting a lot of pressure on yourself. For example one of my goals for 2018 was to sort the house out (specifically the kitchen). I didn’t state what I wanted to do to the kitchen or the house other than ‘sort it out’. By the end of the year we’d repainted the kitchen, got a brand new tiled floor and a handmade breakfast bar and wine rack! We also gave the living room a mini makeover. If I’d said I wanted a brand new kitchen with all new appliances then I would have been setting myself up for failure but this way I actually feel like I achieved something and made a really good start on the goal. Outside of the home, given that a survey by Development Academy showed that 55% of people believed they had missed work opportunities through a lack of assertiveness, maybe one of your goals could be to become more confident and assertive at work.

I’m a massive advocate for taking time for yourself. December was probably a busy month if you’re anything like me. From seeing family, preparing for Christmas, going to parties and celebrating the new year. The post Christmas burn-out does nothing to help you have a positive outlook on January. Take it easy and be kind to yourself especially in those first few days of the month when we’re all just coming down from the festivities. Make sure you’re well rested and attempt to get your eating back on track. To be well rested you need to try and go to bed at the same time each day and sleep for 7 hours. If you find it hard you could try CBD gummies or oils as those can apparently help you sleep, though be aware of the bioavailability rate to make sure you take it at the right time.

As for getting your eating back on track, I am by no means promoting January diets here. You should do what you want when you want and I personally think January diets are bullsh*t. However I have just spent two weeks eating cheese, chocolate, party food and roast dinners. Traditional meal times haven’t existed and snacking is becoming a way of life! Whilst I don’t restrict myself over Christmas I am well aware that I will feel better for getting back into a proper eating routine again and eating an actual orange rather than one of the chocolate variety! Make sure you’re kind to yourself in January, have that hot bath, go to bed early if you need to, say no to things that don’t make you happy. Getting into the habit of self care early on in the year will make sure you’re implementing me time throughout the year.

Since changing my outlook on January I’ve felt much happier and more positive. I’m really, genuinely excited for this year and I can’t wait to make 2020 the best year yet. I am so ready for January and for 2020, like SO ready.

How do you feel about January? Let me know in the comments.

Calling all blogging babes! I’ve created a Facebook group where we can all come together and discuss all things blogging, money saving and everything inbetween. It would be great to see you over there. So to be a part of a super friendly and supportive community, hop on over to Facebook and join us!