Are you in the ‘I love January’ or ‘I hate January’ camp?

For some, January is a clean slate, the chance to start afresh; there’s a sense of possibility in the air.  What will 2024 bring?

But for many, January is not 31 days of new opportunities.  You’re not seeing those few rays of sunshine as hope but you’re focussing on the incessant rain and dreariness.  If this is you, you’re not alone and this month may, in fact, be taking its toll on your mental health. 

We might be over ‘Blue Monday’ but the ‘January Blues’ are a real-thing and the name given to the mood slump many people feel at the start of the year.  If the end of the year festivities were positive for you, now that they’re over, the new year can feel dull and a ‘come down.’  If meeting up with family and friends over the festive season is difficult and challenging, then in January you may be unpacking those events and emotions, reliving uncomfortable moments and finding yourself stuck in a rut of unhealthy thoughts. 

Common symptoms of this ‘situational depression’ are fatigue, lacking motivation, disrupted sleep, change in appetite and differing energy levels, as well as irritability and finding it hard to concentrate.  Work can feel as though we’re walking through treacle as we urge February to arrive before the 31 days of January are over.

Here are some ways to help yourself … including coworking with us at OfficeTribe! 

Banishing SAD thoughts

No, we’re not capitalising to just really emphasise the word ‘sad.’  SAD stands for seasonal affective disorder, a condition linked to the changing seasons and very common in these winter months (although some people experience it in the summer too).  It’s a widely recognised depressive state that has many symptoms including oversleeping, a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities and a yearning for carbs (this is true!).

Sunlight is the best remedy and if jetting away to winter sun isn’t an option, getting outside will always help.  A bit of dancing in the rain is always fun, a brisk walk in crisp, chilly air will get the blood pumping, and a run under grey skies always feels medal-worthy, even if it’s just round your neighbourhood.  

Speaking to someone

If your December wasn’t as full of joy as you might have liked, and if those thoughts are lingering into the new year then speaking to a professional might be a good step to take.  It’s fine talking to friends about problems with family or work but sometimes your social circle can become an ‘echo chamber’ – where your friends are just echoing your sentiments and not providing a different point of view - and you’re not hearing objective advice.

Professional therapists are great listeners, ask thought-proving questions and guide you to make the right decision for you.

There are plenty of therapists in and around Tunbridge Wells.  The British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy has a directory here which features Laura Olley of TN Counselling who explains the benefits of speaking to a professional.

“Some of the many benefits of talking to a counsellor or therapist include confidentiality, no judgement, and impartiality. Counsellors are there to give you space, that you may not have anywhere else in your life, where no matter what you say, it won't impact others. This can be an incredibly freeing process that is almost impossible to replicate with a friend or family member because those relationships have mutual expectations, requirements and boundaries that make it hard to fully express yourself.”

Socialising

If you’re feeling down then socialising might be the last thing you feel like doing but no therapist has ever said that staying alone at home is going to make you feel better *. 

For Dry January-ers, socialising might not appeal because there’s the added hurdle of not drinking.  Lots of pubs and restaurants have mocktails and other non-alco drinks so don’t be put off completely.

If a pub night is out of the question, there are lots of other activities that you could do – a cinema night, bowling, a games night at someone’s house and even just going for a walk with a friend.  Whatever it is, make yourself go.  It will cheer you up.

* We don’t know this for a fact!

Coworking

If you work from home on your own, a sure-fire way to put a spring in your step is to sign up for some coworking.  If you’ve never tried coworking before then why not venture out of your comfort zone and try it out with us?

It’s very easy to book a desk at OfficeTribe and we often have availability for the next day at very reasonable rates.  You can choose from the Mount Pleasant or London Road office, both of which are within easy walking distance of the train station and surrounded by fantastic places to pop out for lunch or coffee.  If you’d rather bring your own food, then we have a well-equipped kitchen.  And, of course, there’s Wi-Fi and a printer, a meeting room and a soundproof booth for meetings or even podcast recording!

We are very friendly and welcoming at OfficeTribe but as much as we love being sociable, we do all want to be productive.

Be active

We know it’s a cliché for this time of year but being active can really boost your mental well-being.  Exercise can relieve stress and mental health conditions by triggering the body to release hormones that lift our mood.

Any exercise will do – walking is a good starting point, of course, and easy to incorporate into your day.  Even a lunchtime stroll around the Pantiles in the rain will do you more good than eating at your desk.  Did you know that OfficeTribers regularly go out for a lunchtime jog/run/walk/combo (delete as appropriate!)?  We welcome all so do join us!

But if you feel like a real lift to your mood, try something new.  Always wanted to dance?  Try it now.  Usually exercise alone?  Join a team.  Exercising with others is a proven bad mood buster! And overcoming the challenge of trying something new will feel like a great achievement – an added bonus to the benefits of the exercise itself.  Exercise doesn’t have to be gruelling and dreaded. Make it fun and you’re more likely to continue the habit.  

We hope this helps you lift the January mood.  However, if the dark cloud of this month feels like it’s going to be around for longer, or if you feel as though you need urgent help, please do speak to someone. 

Otherwise, here’s to February!