6 tips to beat the January Blues like a pro

Let’s be honest, waking up in January feels like a cruel prank. It’s cold, it’s dark, and your bed feels like an oh-so-tempting dream fortress of cosiness. But if you’ve spent the past few weeks hitting the snooze button like it’s your full-time job, it’s time to break that cycle.

As much as we all love a good lie-in, getting up at a reasonable time can actually make you feel better. So, instead of snoozing, get yourself up with a purpose. It could be a quick stretch, a cup of coffee, or (our personal favourite) a cheeky breakfast biscuit.

Sunrise alarm clocks are your best friend when trying to break the snooze button habit. These smart light beauties mimic the gradually increasing amount of sunlight that occurs at dawn and can be used to help you wake up gently and naturally. They also work well with your natural circadian rhythm (a type of internal clock, set on a 24-hour time frame that regulates your sleep-wake cycle).

Now, we’re not saying you should chug a gallon of water straight after waking up, but hydration is key to making you feel human again. After a long night of sleep (we hope), your body’s been dehydrating for hours. A nice glass of water or a hot brew will kickstart your metabolism and give you a little boost of energy. It's like putting petrol in the car, minus the weird smell.

You’d be amazed at how much more awake you’ll feel after just a few sips of H2O. It's a simple step, but it works wonders. Plus, if you drink your water from a glass with a witty slogan, you'll be grinning before you even begin your day. Starting your day with a smile can never be a bad thing.

Let's talk skincare for a moment. A good skincare routine is essential for glowing, radiant skin (something we could all use when the days are dreary). More than that though, taking a moment to yourself for a little skincare routine is like giving yourself a mini pamper session.

A quick cleanse and moisturise can wake you up and make you feel more "put together." A face mask every now and then is like the equivalent of putting on a superhero cape – it’s your chance to look after yourself, and it gives you that “I’m actually on top of things” feeling.

Since we’re in the depths of winter, there isn't much natural light helping us with our newfound morning skincare routine, so you’ll need something to light the way. There’s a whole world of beauty and wellness lights out there to choose from and LED makeup mirrors are great for illuminating your lovely face without waking up the whole house with a bright light.

Exercise is the last thing you want to hear about when you’re feeling blue but bear with us. No, we’re not suggesting you run a marathon before breakfast, but a little morning stretch or a short walk outside can do the world of good for your mood. Think of it as giving your brain a little shake into action.

If it's too cold to step outside (hello, winter), there are plenty of ways to get your body moving inside. A quick 10-minute YouTube workout, or even just some light yoga, can release those lovely endorphins, making you feel less like you’re dragging yourself through treacle and more like you’ve got the energy of a toddler who’s eaten a whole tin of treacle! Maybe not that much, but you get the idea.

Here’s where the magic happens. Don’t take it all too seriously. If the weather outside is frightful, make your morning routine delightful. Put on some upbeat music to get your energy flowing. Sing along to your favourite songs (even if you sound like a cat being stepped on, it doesn’t matter).

Dance around while you get ready. Yes, you’ll feel a bit daft at first, but trust us, it works. The joy from a silly morning dance or a favourite tune can carry you through the whole day. There’s a huge range of lights that can be set to music too, so you can create a full on beat-the-blues dance party!

We all need something to motivate us to get through the day, especially when the days feel endless. So, sprinkle in a little reward for yourself. Maybe it’s a bit of chocolate after lunch, a cosy nap with your favourite book, or a lovely bath in the evening. Whatever it is, giving yourself a treat can help you power through those grey moments.

When you prioritise self care and wellness, and make sure you have pockets of time to focus on just you, it quickly becomes a positive habit and something to look forward to. Making meditation a reguar practice can take time, but is oh so worth it. Create a space that encourages relaxation, with incense or diffusers. Even better if you combine a diffuser and mood light into one!