January is considered the most depressing month on the calendar. The number one reason why everyone feels depressed in the first month of the year has to do with the disruption of our normal circadian rhythm, which is a natural 24-hour cycle in our bodies that regulates sleep and wakefulness.
During the winter months, especially in countries far from the equator, there is a significant decrease in daylight hours.
This reduction in natural light can profoundly affect our rhythm and can sometimes lead to what is known as “seasonal affective disorder (SAD),” a type of depression associated with the changes in the seasons.
So what can you do to avoid this transitional time of year?
Get more light and vitamin D. Expose yourself to more light consistently, both in the morning and evening, to stimulate the sunrise and sunset. Regular exposure to light at the same time each day will help synchronize your circadian rhythm, thus helping to regulate neurotransmitters for improved sleep and a better mood. For those living in northern countries, where daylight hours are limited during this time of year, the use of artificial light is recommended. Light therapy is often used to treat people suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Furthermore, since a lack of natural light can affect vitamin D intake and contribute to fatigue, vitamin D stimulants may be beneficial for some people.
Make January a month of planning
To alleviate the stress of New Year's resolutions, it can be helpful to start slowly. Jumping too quickly from vacation to action can be overwhelming and challenging. Feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the start of the year can backfire and lead to burnout. Later, this can lead to frustration. Instead of setting your goals to start on January 2, give yourself time to fine-tune your plans for the coming year. Make January your planning month, and build more detailed, specific, and measurable action steps into your plan, ensuring success.
Be mindful of your finances
Taking a step to improve a situation that is causing you distress can make you feel better. Often, it is the worrying thoughts about the situation that make us feel worse, sometimes even worse than the situation itself. Such anxiety can be paralyzing, preventing you from taking any action. If you are in a bad financial situation or in debt after the holidays, finding ways to earn money can be helpful. One profitable option is to participate in healthcare market research studies. Our recommendation for easing the January blues is to take a step towards improving your finances.
