It’s easy to descend into gloom during January especially on a grey, damp day like today so here’s my top tips to boost your mood:
Get Active!
Well I would put this one first wouldn’t !?! Exercise lifts the mood and even better if you can get outside during the day because just 30 minutes of natural light will help improve your sense of well being.
Make a Plan!
Whilst New Year can be a time for self reflection remember to note down all the things that are going well in your life first not get bogged down in the negative. Making a plan gives us something to focus on and work towards. Many of you will be planning holidays but how about planning an active event? This might be a run or a walk that you haven’t done before. I had great fun with our new Couch to 5K runners last night – they’ve got a plan – Sutton Park parkrun 5K graduation on Saturday 21st March!
Be Social!
It’s tempting to draw the curtains, curl up on the sofa and hibernate but keeping in touch with friends and family (in real life not just online) is great for our mental health. If you’re watching the pennies after Christmas it doesn’t need to be dinner out. How about meeting up for a movie or going for a walk instead? You could Get Active and Be Social all in one go and join an SE Fitness session?! SE stands for ‘Social Exercise’ we all know that!
Eat Better!
The thought of the January diet is not going to lift anyone’s mood so I would just urge us all to Eat Better. Work on getting your five portions of fruit and veg every day. If you’re exercising you need carbs for energy and don’t miss out the protein especially from lean meat, fish, eggs. You need protein to help build and repair your muscles and it also helps you feel full. Cut down on the booze and sugary snacks and drink plenty of water to help flush out any rubbish consumed over Christmas. A bit of care will make you feel and look loads better and worry less about the scales.
Volunteer!
Helping others is proven to make us feel better about ourselves. Local charity event 7 Pools Run is 15th March and have already asked for help with marshals. Get in touch direct if you can help out: https://www.7poolsrun.org.uk/. Likewise our own Sutton Park parkrun need volunteers every week email suttonparkhelpers@parkrun.com if you want to be added to the rota. I also noticed that the St Giles store in Mere Green is looking for volunteers so perhaps that might appeal to you.
So those are my top 5 tips for boosting your mood this January, if you’ve got anything to add please share!