Not quite feeling 2020 yet? Here’s our top tips for a gentle January
As months go, January often doesn’t get the best press. It can be cold, dark, wet and a little bit flat after glitzy December. And that’s before we get into the making (and possibly breaking!) of resolutions, worrying about our increased weight, decreased bank balance and that looming credit card bill!
But it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s nothing wrong with easing slowly into the new year and being kind to yourself. Here’s our top tips for a gentle January:
Take stock – new year, new you. No thanks. This expression is much overused and can set us up for failure with the implication that the ‘existing you’ isn’t quite measuring up. But that doesn’t mean that things can’t change in January. It’s a very natural time to reflect on the year past and think about what you’d like to achieve in the coming months.
Commit – if you should decide to set yourself a goal or target them make it SMART – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. And write it down so you can look back and give yourself a pat on the back once you achieve it!
Treat yourself – we’ve already acknowledged that this can be a tough time of year. So, ease yourself through with little treats and rewards to make this long month seem shorter. Whether it’s a peaceful 30 minutes with a cup of tea and a good book, a night out with friends or distracting yourself with researching this year’s Summer holiday.
Notice the good –take time to spot the positives. Some people find it helpful to keep a gratitude diary where they note down two or three things each day that went well. From getting from A to B without getting caught in the rain (often quite the achievement in January), to finding a sale item in your size or having your efforts recognised at work.
Don’t hide inside – tempting as it might be to hurry from home to work and back (often in darkness!) with your head down, getting outside can be a real mood booster; even at this time of year. Studies have shown that spending time outside can help to improve your mood, reduce feelings of stress or anger and help you feel more relaxed.
Get needled! – the insertion of acupuncture needles works to restore mental and physical wellness by stimulating certain pressure points within the body. This releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue.
I have studied both Medical Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medical Acupuncture. I consolidated my studies in China, the birthplace of acupuncture and have now used it, in combination with osteopathy, to help patients with a wide range of conditions.
If the new year has left you feeling a bit flat or low, acupuncture could help to balance and improve blood flow and reduce blockages which promotes a release of serotonin (sometimes called the happy chemical, because it contributes to wellbeing and happiness). Why not get in touch and book an appointment?
