Positive Mental Health; January can be hard and that’s okay.
As we step into January we want to focus on positive mental health and what that can mean for people. Positive mental health has many different aspects to it. January often arrives with high expectations of a new year, fresh starts, goals, resolutions and the sense that you should feel motivated and optimistic. But for many people January can feel heavy, slow and emotionally challenging.
December is one of the busiest months of the year and after it’s over, January can feel empty. Financial pressures, cold, dark weather, post holiday blues and getting back into normal routine can have a huge impact on our mental health.
It is important to remember that struggling in January does not mean you are failing. Positive mental health does not mean that you are happy all of the time. It means being kind to yourself, being able to recognise your feelings and taking steps towards supporting yourself even if they are small steps.
Why does January have such a big impact on our mental health?
- The shorter days and less daylight can majorly affect our moods and our energy levels.
- The pressure to make new resolutions and goals can be overwhelming and become unrealistic.
- The feelings of loneliness and isolation may feel far greater after such a huge month of socialising right before.
- Fatigue after the holidays can be strong and can catch up with us quickly.
All of these feelings are valid and they are commonly shared among a lot of people so you are not alone in this.
Things that can help support your mental health during this month;
- Lower the pressure on yourself.
January coming around doesn’t mean you have to reinvent your life and become this whole new person. Try focusing on small achievable goals, such as getting more sleep or rest, drinking more water everyday, or even just checking in with how you’re feeling.
- Keep a simple routine.
Having structure can be grounding and having simple routines such as waking up at a similar time everyday, having regular meals or having something to look forward to everyday can help bring stability and comfort.
- Daylight and fresh air are so important.
Even the shortest walk or stepping outside for a few minutes everyday, can majorly help with energy and mood levels. Go outside and just give yourself a few minutes to just breathe.
- Stay connected.
As isolating as January feels, connection is so important. Reach out to a friend or a family member or a support service even just for a short chat. It doesn’t have to be about anything important but human connection everyday can help a huge amount.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when it’s needed.
If January starts to feel overwhelming, there are people out there ready to help. You are not alone in this situation. Talking to a trusted person or a mental health service can help take some of the pressure and mental load off of you.
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Positive mental health is not about forcing a smile and pretending that everything is okay, it is being able to acknowledge your feelings and respond to them with care. If January is feeling hard just know that your best is enough, even if it feels small.
We are here to remind you that Limerick Mental Health Association is here to support, understand and are always available. You don’t have to do the difficult days alone. We understand that January can be a particularly difficult time of year and it can bring its unique challenge. LMHA is a safe space for anyone that may be struggling with their mental health.
We offer a range of supports aimed at promoting wellbeing and recovery, helping individuals build coping skills and confidence at their rate. We work to raise awareness around mental health, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations within the community. LMHA supports people in developing the tools they need to care for their mental health year round.
If you are someone who knows someone who struggles with their mental health, try to reach out during this month, ask them how they are and how they have been feeling lately. People who struggle with mental health may find it hard to reach out first and even that little bit of connection can go a long way.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to us at info@limerickmentalhealth.ie or www.limerickmentalhealth.ie or call 0852612025 or drop in for a chat.