New Year, New Motivation: Tips to Overcome the January Blues
Do you still find it hard to shake off the sand from the beach you visited this holiday, or get over the taste of that delicious pastry you had from the corner bakery on your recent trip? Do you still have to deal with the ghost of your vacation memories? You'd be surprised to know that at least half of your colleagues might feel the same way.
As we get closer to 'Blue Monday', the third Monday of January, notoriously known as the saddest day of the year, it only makes sense we get a grip on this feeling. It doesn't have to be a day of doom and gloom. With some smart tips, we can turn this potentially dreary day into a springboard for a bright and productive year.
Let’s get to the ‘Why ’ part...
This post-holiday fatigue can be associated with multiple reasons. The holidays often bring a break from routine, filled with different experiences and surroundings, making returning to work like an uphill climb.
It can also be the dopamine dip we feel when we reach back to our desks as opposed to the rush we get from our vacations. Coming back means missing out on the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine, which can lead to low mood and difficulty focusing.
The reverse culture shock we experience while returning to work can be another reason. Reintegrating into work and home life can feel jarring. Suddenly, emails, deadlines, and chores intrude on our idyllic memories.
Another major reason for the blues can be financial. With employees getting their paychecks early in December, financial upturns in January can surprisingly contribute to the blues due to several reasons, such as increased financial pressure with holiday debts looming in the face of rising budgets, a heightened awareness of financial goals amidst a society buzzing with new year resolutions, and the pressure to keep up with a potentially flashy post-holiday environment, triggering comparison and inadequacy.
Amidst this craziness, you must remember that ‘January Blues’ is not real. It's neither clinically approved nor scientifically proven, but just a marketing label. The point is that you can easily challenge this myth and move on, and we have some ideas to overcome this easily.
Tips for tackling the January Blues
Here's how to outsmart the blues and unlock your full potential in the new year:
Reframe your mind; they are goals, not tasks: Instead of a daunting to-do list, envision it as an exciting goal. Channel that confidence and excitement, and watch work become less like a chore and more like an achievement.
Inbox Detox: Imagine the relief of coming back from a lunch break to a neatly organised inbox instead of a digital avalanche. Tackle the messy inbox head-on! Sort emails by urgency, create subfolders for specific projects, and schedule dedicated times for handling them. Taking control calms the chaos and makes progress feel real.
Celebrate your achievements, however small: Small wins deserve big cheers! Recognising even minor achievements keeps the momentum going. Did you figure out a way to complete that report in time? Wonderful!! Got over the January blues? Amazing! Recognising and celebrating even small achievements keeps you motivated and reminds you of how far you've come.
Connect more: Widen your social circle in the office, Reach out to colleagues, share holiday stories, and laugh over shared experiences. The people around you aren't just colleagues; they're potential allies in this battle against the blues! They can be of more help than you could imagine.
Let the Little Things Slide: Not every email is mission-critical, some can wait. Not every typo deserves a panic attack. Learn to let go of minor hiccups and focus on the bigger picture. Imagine the stress you'd save if you stopped checking your work email every minute. Breathe, and watch your productivity take an uphill direction.
Work out and move more: A brisk walk around the block, a lunchtime yoga session, or even some desk stretches can work wonders. A quick walk in the park can make you energised and motivated. It can do wonders for your body and mind.
Recharge and Refuel: Take breaks! Step away from the screen, grab a coffee, listen to music, or do some quick meditation. A refreshed mind is a creative, productive mind. Imagine the foggy, unproductive feeling you get after hours of staring at a screen; avoid that by prioritising your well-being with mindful breaks.
Seek out mentors: Join online communities or connect with colleagues who share your goals. Surrounding yourself with motivated individuals fuels your fire and inspires you to reach new heights.
While the tips we discussed can effectively combat milder forms of January blues, sometimes the issue goes deeper than temporary post-holiday funk. A toxic manager or a stifling work environment can indeed exacerbate the blues and drain your happiness, making self-care and team-building efforts feel like band-aids on a broken arm.
In such cases, prioritising your well-being by seeking a new workplace can be the most effective solution. Finding a new job in a healthy environment can do wonders for your mental health, motivation, and overall outlook.
