Kick-off 2022 with the right attitude!
With January now well underway, you’ve probably already spent several days behind your desk. With not much left of your holiday but a fading sunglass tan, and the realities of life crowding in, you’ll be forgiven for feeling a little blue. Plus, the past two years of tricky circumstances have made many of us a bit cautious of showing too much ‘new year’ optimism.
The good news? You’re not alone. Post-holiday blues and feeling a bit fearful of the New Year is a documented phenomenon. In fact, researchers have identified the third Monday in January as the most depressing day of the year, nicknaming it Blue Monday in acknowledgement that this is when you are most likely to feel the debt that mounted over the festive season, compounded by the thought that there is a lot less festivity to look forward to.
But, there is good news… You can put a spring in your step and start the new year right with just a few simple steps compiled by the mental health team behind the Panda app. After all, it takes only a few weeks to form a new habit – let’s start 2022 right! Check out our pointers below, and sign onto the 30–Day Challenge via Instagram or Facebook.
Stick to a routine
Routine – not the most glamorous word, is it? But, creating a structure for your day (and sticking to it) is one of the easiest ways to welcome another 365 days. Why? Because structure makes us feel safe, and therefore alleviates stress – after all, knowing the next step in your day goes a long way to eliminate the uncertainty. Routines are also a highly effective way to focus your energy and help you get organised – and helpful at a time when you need to get back into the work-life groove.
Get into Goal-Setting
While New Year’s resolutions often fade fast, setting goals for the new year can be a fun and uplifting way to see the possibilities of the year ahead. These goals don’t only have to be related to fitness and exercise. Consider goals of trying new restaurants, reconnecting with a relative who you’ve not seen for a while, hiking in new reserves or travelling, making new friends or helping a community.
Step in, self-care
Hearing this hackneyed phrase, your mind probably immediately turns to advice around bubble baths – but, in fact, real self-care is a lot less indulgent. Yes, treats provide a mood boost (and that’s certainly valuable), but caring about everyday tasks like paying your bills, planning your year, setting your budgets and cleaning your cupboards will give you a sense of control that soothes your anxiety. As you discover more things in your self-care journey, always make it a point to make time for yourself. This can include taking a daily or weekly walk or enjoying the fresh air at your local park. Even as plans may change, adopt an attitude of adaptability as 2022 may see more up and downs.
Practice Gratitude for each new day
It’s important to remember that we are so much more than our moods. It’s natural that when you’re feeling down, it can seem as though the entire world is conspiring against you, and that everything in your life is a mess. The reality is that if you are in a positive frame of mind, your perceptions might be completely different: you’d feel grateful for the people in your life, challenges would be minor obstacles, and you’d see yourself on a path to better things. The key outtake? Moods are transient and changeable. It doesn’t take much to change them – even a smile from a stranger can lift your mood. So, no matter how negative you may be feeling, this moment will pass.
But if not remember to…
Reach out to someone who understands
If your blues are lasting longer than you may like, or you need help imagining a positive outlook, it may be useful to consult a professional who can guide you towards making sense of your emotions. This is where the anonymity of the Join Panda App can help: this free-to-download app (available from the Apple store and Android Play Store: search ‘Join Panda’ in the app store) gives you access to counsellors , and information around mental wellness while allowing you to become part of a community offering support – all anonymously.
Plus, you can join the Panda 30 Day Mental Health Challenge is full of exciting inspiration to excite and uplift you for the year ahead via Instagram or Facebook.