#Bluemonday: this is how to make January fun!

You probably know it: the holidays are over, you spent way too much money, ate and drank way too much, and it’s far from spring. Many people get a dip around this time. #Bluemonday is lurking! In fact, January 20 is the day! But we have tips for you so you can get through this day (and this month) whistling!

Resolutions

In January, you are almost expected to have good intentions. Now most good resolutions are not very fun:

• lose weight
• exercise (more)
• stop eating candy
• stop drinking
• spend less money

It doesn’t make me happy. Just thinking about this list makes me spontaneously go into #Bluemonday mode. Avoid the standard resolutions. I’d rather make up fun resolutions that I can keep for longer. Besides, it can’t hurt to be a little nicer to yourself, because your whole family benefits when you feel good.

Me-time

A good resolution I would recommend to every woman is me-time. Allow yourself 15 to 30 minutes of me-time every day this year. This time is completely free for you alone. For example, read a nice book or a nice magazine. Listen to your favorite music, or take some time for a mini-wellness treatment at home! It doesn’t have to be anything special, but it feels like a mini vacation. So away with that #Bluemonday!

Doing fun things

One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is to have something fun to do. This doesn’t have to be an expensive vacation. A nice walk, a day at a museum, an afternoon at a spa, a day of shopping, a fun activity, an evening at the movies or a nice lunch can be enough. Find activities close to home that energize you. For example, how about a day out with friends, a winter beach walk or a visit to an atmospheric city nearby?

Discover new places

January is the perfect month to go exploring in your own area. Perhaps there are fun places nearby that you’ve never visited before. Think cozy coffee shops, new restaurants or hidden natural areas. On our website we regularly share tips for fun trips and activities throughout the Netherlands, so be sure to take a look for inspiration!

Organize a fun activity at home

If the weather is too cold to go out, you can also throw a party at home. Organize a game night, a movie marathon with friends or a cooking night where you try new recipes together. A house full of coziness can make a big difference and make January not feel so gloomy at all.

Move your winter blues away

It’s scientifically proven: exercise makes you happy! You may not feel like being as active outside in January, but fresh air works wonders. Take a short walk every day, try a new sport or hit the gym a few times a week. Exercise makes you feel fitter and more energetic, which is sure to improve your mood.

Seek out the light

Short days and little sunlight can contribute to that gloomy feeling in January. Therefore, try to seek out as much daylight as possible. Go outside whenever you can, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Or consider a daylight lamp for your home to boost your mood. Light really does make a big difference! An anti #Bluemonday pill, in other words.

Start a new hobby

January is the perfect time to learn something new. Whether it’s cooking, photography, painting or knitting, a new hobby can give you energy and inspiration. Plus, it keeps you busy on the cold winter days! Check out workshops or online courses to discover what you enjoy and what you’d like to learn more about. Curious about our tips on crafting? Then read on in this blog!

Create a vision board for the new year

Do you have good resolutions or dreams for 2025? Instead of worrying about what you all have to do, make it a fun and creative activity. Grab a stack of magazines, scissors and glue, and make a vision board full of images and texts that inspire you. This will help you keep your goals visually in mind and give you an instant positive boost.

Embrace winter

Instead of fighting winter, you can choose to embrace the cold and dark weather. Enjoy the winter atmosphere, put on a thick sweater and get cozy with candles and warm blankets. That way, January will actually feel cozy instead of depressing.

In short: be extra kind to yourself this year! Because if you are kind to yourself, everyone will notice.

Credits photos: www.canva.com