The first full week of January got off to a flying start. Amongst other things I cooked not one, but three new recipes, upped my exercise regime, planned a new home project and decluttered all my beauty supplies.
I drew up a formidable list of all the things I wanted to accomplish over the second weekend and had high hopes of achieving them all. Sadly I managed just one of them and now have some very nice new tiles for the downstairs loo. Instead of going on a long walk, ticking off my gardening jobs and clearing out my fridge, my weekend was taken over by a marathon House of Cards Netflix session. I was very pleased to find from yesterday’s comments I’m not the only one who has succumbed to back-to-back box sets.

By the second week of January I was feeling deflated. I couldn’t get motivated and a very intense working week and several social engagements left me shattered. I admit I went a whole week without making any real contribution to my decluttering challenge. Dare I say it, I had the winter blues. Obviously nothing as serious as SAD, just a general dislike for season.

Now we’re in to week three of the first month of the year and I’m pleased to say I’ve got my mojo back. No Blue Monday for me.

Fresh air

Hibernation is my kind of thing. I love getting cosy, lighting the candles and snuggling under blankets with the fire roaring. It’s definitely a treat once in a while but it can also make me feel really lethargic.
Despite it being absolutely freezing outside at the weekend I resisted the urge to stay indoors and instead bundled up and got busy in the garden. Three hours and two frozen feet later I couldn’t believe how much my mood had lifted. A little bit of gentle exercise and a big tick against my January garden jobs had left me feeling rather pleased with myself. I rewarded myself with a Sunday dinner and a double helping of Yorkshire pud. Life in the fast lane.
I do find the problem at this time of year is getting the fresh air. As I have two jobs, I spend my lunchtimes grabbing a bite to eat and catching up on my other role. I’m not able to step away from my desk for a walk and sometimes the only time I get to spend outside is when I’m scraping the ice off my car. I’m sure this is the same for many of you so I’d love it if you could share how you get your vitamin D dose in the winter.

Eat healthy

Like Miranda, I’ve vowed to try a few new recipes this month. After devouring a full Lindt reindeer in one sitting all the Chrimbo chocolate has now left the premises. I’m trying to eat more seasonally so have been feasting on butternut squash and kale this month (amongst other things, obviously). I like this idea as it takes advantage of what the season has to offer and also means you don’t get stuck in a recipe rut.

Tick off the to-do list

I think my problem last week was I’d set myself far too many tasks to do. I’m torn between taking some time to just ‘be’ and using the long nights to be extra productive. I’ve set myself a more manageable to-do list this week and no longer have a list as long as my arm. It’s all about being realistic. Although it would be lovely to finish off the downstairs loo, and paint the dining room, and the kitchen….

Organise a holiday

It’s cliched but having a good old chinwag about 2015 holiday plans did wonders for my mood. I’m very lucky to have a trip to Seville planned in the spring and fingers crossed James and I will manage a short beach break in the summer.

Catch up with friends

I like a lie-in as much as the next person but I really find it slows me down for the rest of the day. Sunday Breakfast Club is a relatively new thing for me and a must during #dryjanuary. What better way to reward your hangover-free self than devouring a tasty breakfast? My friends and I are trying to get this into the diary at least once a month. It’s cheaper than meeting for lunch, kiddy-friendly, sets you up for the day and is a great opportunity for a gossip.

How are you feeling about January? I think it’s going fairly quickly, don’t you? Have you had the winter blues and how are you lifting yourself out of them?