How do you deal with the January blues? Have your say.

After a month of socialising, feasting and Christmas celebrations, many of us find ourselves feeling drained and disoriented as January arrives. This post-holiday slump, often referred to as the 'January blues', is a common phenomenon characterised by feelings of lethargy, low energy and a lack of motivation. But what triggers this, and how can we make January more joyful?

Are you feeling down in the dumps after the fun of Christmas? How do you deal with the January blues? Have your say in our comments section.

"The January blues refer to feelings of sadness, lack of motivation, loneliness and low energy that often arise after the festive season," explains Dr Lalitaa Suglani, a psychologist and author of High Functioning Anxiety: A 5-Step Guide To Calming The Inner Panic And Thriving. "This dip in mood is common as we transition from the excitement of the holidays into a more routine-focused and colder part of the year."

So, what causes it?

"Holiday routines, like late nights and irregular eating patterns, disrupt our circadian rhythm, making it harder to get back into a structured routine," says Suglani. "Also, reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter months leads to a drop in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, leading to feelings of sadness or lethargy."

"Lower sunlight also disrupts the body's production of melatonin, a hormone that influences sleep and energy cycles. This can cause excessive tiredness or poor-quality sleep."

Meanwhile, some of us may experience a dopamine crash at the start of January following a busy month of socialising and festive celebrations. This can lead to a drop when this stimulation ends, leaving people feeling deflated.

The pressure to begin a new year as an organised, reformed individual can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy. Suglani explains, "Overly ambitious New Year's resolutions activate the brain's reward system, but failure to meet early expectations can trigger feelings of inadequacy, further dampening mood."

Here are some strategies to help you combat the January blues. Try maximising your exposure to sunlight. Even on overcast days, natural light boosts serotonin and improves mood, so ensure you get outside for some daylight and fresh air.

Restore your sleep patterns. Suglani suggests, "aim to go to bed and wake up at consistent times to regulate your circadian rhythm". This will help maintain your overall sense of wellbeing.

Get off the couch and get moving. "exercise boosts endorphins and is a natural mood booster in general," says Jess Parkinson, personal trainer and director at The Happy Healthy Body Co. "It can really turn your day around, especially when you find a form of exercise you enjoy."

Embrace the slowness and lean into the season. Meditation teacher and founder of Finding Quiet, Ciara McGinley, reminds us that winter is still upon us. "Lean into the flow of seasons, embrace the slowness and use this time to recharge and rest before spring."

Are you feeling down in the dumps after the fun of Christmas? How do you deal with the January blues? Have your say in our comments section.

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