There’s much talk about Post-Christmas depression and the January Blues this month but is January really so bad?   Our regular supporter and Reiki recipient Ruth Prendergast has shared her thoughts on January and why it is anything but Blue

Here’s what Ruth has to say:-

1. What I like about January:

• An opportunity to start afresh, take stock and reflect on the year just gone and life in general. Set new goals and challenges and review and adjust previous ones.
• Winter sunshine and amazing sunsets
• The contrast of January makes me appreciate Spring even more. Spring wouldn’t seem as amazing without January.
• It helps me appreciate the little things in life. ie the wonder of a hot chocolate after a cold winter walk.
• January sales!!! Shopping therapy!

2. The January Blues and how I overcome them:

I do get the January Blues.  It is definitely a real thing! With me it’s mainly due to reduced amount of light. I’m aware I can get an increase in low mood, anxiety and fatigue during January.  I overcome the January Blues by

• Making self-care and being kind to myself a priority.
• Making more of an effort to look after my health and wellbeing by eating well and getting outdoors whilst it’s light,
• I see friends and family so I don’t start to feel isolated
• Get plenty of rest and relaxation.

I use January as an opportunity to recharge before the spring and I try to be honest with others about finding January a struggle rather than pretending I’m fine all of the time.

Holding onto my sense of humour and sharing it with like-minded others helps immensely.

3. The therapies that I use

• Reiki and meditation helps me clear my mind of any worries and also relax.
• Mindfulness helps me keep grounded in the here and now and be present to capture the highlights of January.
• I use exercise as therapy, plenty of walks and the odd gym session. Helps lift my mood, eat better and feel an overall sense of well-being.
• I’ve also started using basic Emotional Freedom Technique to keep in check any extra stress and anxiety I maybe feeling during January.

4. Here’s my advice for others:

Try and make the most of January as it’s 31 days of your life each year which you can’t escape from.

It will pass.

Nothing in nature blooms all year, be patient with yourself!

5. So what about Blue Monday?

I see this as a media/commercially constructed thing that is used as a selling point for businesses. Another part of me is aware that statistically it’s the most depressing day of the year and is something to bear in mind in my daily interactions with other people. There maybe someone I come across who is struggling more that day and will need extra compassion to support them through it.

Thank you Ruth, for that great advice.

Want to try mindfulness to conquer the January Blues like Ruth?  Here’s a simple way to get started.

1. Find a quiet space where you can sit undisturbed for a few moments.
2. Sit comfortably and rest your hands on your legs.
3. Take a deep breath in through your nose. Concentrate on the feeling at the tip of your nose as the air passes into your body.
4. Breath out through your mouth. Try to make the exhalation the same length as the inhalation – count to 3 each time if that helps.
5. Start to imagine the inhalation as clear, bright, energised breath and the exhalation as dark, grey air being expelled from your body.

Although this sounds simple it does work as it moves your brain waves from a busy beta pattern to calm and restorative alpha.

Want to try Reiki like Ruth?  Here’s how;

1. It is possible to learn Reiki and practice on yourself but you do need to find a reputable course to get you started. Look on the Federation of Holisitic Therapist website to find a course www.fht.org.uk
2. You can visit a Reiki practitioner – again make sure they are reputable. They should be qualified to Reiki Level 2 or Reiki Master is even better.
3. At Phoenix we have a Reiki Master – Ali Wilson, who gives our Reiki treatments. Ali is fully qualified and insured and has many years of experience in this wonderful restorative therapy.  Call for more information or have a look at this link to find out more.

Opening times:

Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00

Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 16:00

Sunday closed.

Book your massage at our professional Leeds City massage therapy rooms through our Online form, Online Reservations or call 0113 234 0818 for the receptionist. You can pay through PayPal.

Phoenix Health & Wellbeing is a Charity.  By coming to us for a treatment you can relax in the knowledge that you are helping others less fortunate than yourself. We use the proceeds of your treatment to subsidise those who would not otherwise be able to access our therapies. Roughly £3 to every £10 spent with us will go to help others.