Improving Wellbeing | 5 Ways to Beat the January Blues

Is improving wellbeing at the top of your agenda this January? 

At CHD Living, our core focus is to maintain and improve our residents’ mental and physical health. 

To combat any pervading January blues, we’ve compiled a list of top tips to ensure a strong and healthy start to 2023:

Improving Wellbeing | Get Enough Zzz’s

One of the best ways of improving wellbeing is getting a good night’s sleep.

So, what exactly does this constitute? Everyone requires different amounts, but the NHS recommends at least 7-9 hours a night for adults. 

A restful slumber has a range of benefits, including getting ill less frequently, and lowering your risk of health problems. This is particularly beneficial for elderly people, who are more prone to illness in comparison to younger adults.

Getting enough sleep can also reduce stress and improve mood — perfect for defeating those January blues!  

Improving Wellbeing | Go Outside

Venturing outdoors is another great way of improving wellbeing. 

Research showcases that a daily one-hour walk in the middle of the day could be as helpful as light treatment. With this in mind, why not get your loved ones together and head down to your local park or nature trail? Immersing yourself in green spaces is the perfect way to connect with nature and soak up Vitamin D — whilst helping to combat those winter blues!

There are many excellent walking trails located near our CHD services. So, if you’re looking for things to do with a loved one this January, be sure to check out our nearby paths!

Improving Wellbeing | Reduce Tech Time 

In the New Year, why not make a pledge to reduce time spent on your phone? 

Reducing your tech time has an array of benefits, and encourages you to take up new hobbies. Constantly using technology — whether that be the TV, phone or laptop — can detrimentally impact your mood. 

So, consider switching off your phone (particularly an hour or so before going to bed), and pursuing other activities. 

Immerse Yourself in a Good Book

Getting lost in a book is a perfect way to fend off the January blues.

You can either re-read one of your favourites, or venture down to the local library to pick out a selection of new reads. After all, nothing beats curling up on the sofa with a good book on a cold, wintery day!

For those with a competitive streak, you can even sign up to Goodreads and set yourself a ‘book challenge’. That way, throughout the year you can keep a note of all the novels you’ve read. 

By logging all your 2023 reads, you can see if you’re on track to achieving your target. Why not give it a go?

Don’t Set Unrealistic Goals

Have you set your New Year’s resolutions? 

If so, make sure the goals you’ve set for yourself are realistic and achievable. It’s common for people to start a new year with an abundance of resolutions. This does nothing for improving wellbeing, as it can result in feelings of failure if you don’t meet them all.

Instead of rushing to change all aspects of your life, be kind to yourself. Know when to up the ante and when to take things slow.

Wishing you all a healthy and happy start to 2023! 

At CHD Living, we’re dedicated to providing the best elderly care services in the community. To find out about improving wellbeing or our various care options, please contact a member of our team.