Blue Monday. It’s really all in the name, isn’t it? For the last 20 or so years, the third Monday in January rolls around in its full majesty, supposedly ushering in the bleakest day of the year. In 2004, one psychologist, a Dr Cliff Arnall, devised a formula to determine this most awful date in order to help travel companies sell holidays. The formula that he generated enlisted seven variables; weather, debt, monthly salary, time since Christmas, time since failed quit attempt, low motivation levels, and the need to take action.

Of course, the majority of said variables are immeasurable and largely dependent on individual assessment. However, I have the feeling that if you were to ask a lot of people when their own most depressing day might fall, dates in mid-January might be quite common. The January blues can get many in a chilly grip, myself included. Think of it; cars throwing sheets of dirty water at pedestrians, payday still a way off, new year’s resolutions settling into guilt. While I try to remain positive as the new year begins to unfold, it is far too easy to succumb to the month’s pressing downfalls.

To combat this, I like to take some days in the month of January to fully focus on one thing: myself. This time of year, often characterised by grim weather, a sense of restlessness, and financial pressures, can really get people down. For me, it’s essential to counter this with self-care and appreciation for the little things. Taking time for yourself this month sets you up mentally to be mindful and collected this new year. All too often we forget how creating time for ourselves, and actively making that a priority, can boost our moods and generally improve how we engage with the world. With that in mind, I’ve curated my perfect solo routine for a day of recouping and recharging so that you can embrace the new year with open arms.

 

Wake up with purpose

There’s only way to start a self-care day: early. Set your alarm for an hour (or two if you’re brave) before you would usually wake up in order to really feel like you’ve started your day with purpose. This always gets me up on a positive and forward-facing note. Wake yourself up and kickstart the day with a refreshing shower, followed by a tea or coffee and a tasty, healthy breakfast.

It’s been said time and time again that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and while I am not qualified to confirm or deny this, I do see it as a very important step in starting your day correctly. When you have breakfast in the morning, you are breaking your overnight fast and refilling your glucose levels which gives you a boost of energy for the day and keeps you alert and receptive to your environment.

So when you get into your kitchen be sure to make yourself a quick and substantial breakfast that you enjoy. For me, an omelette is aways a fast meal that will perk me and my stomach up for the day ahead. You can do so many different things with an omelette and incorporate many different ingredients to your preference. I would recommend throwing some chopped red peppers, torn ham, and a sprinkle cheese and mixed herbs on your egg and serve alongside some pan seared tomatoes and toast.

 

Let’s think about wants, not needs

With a focus on yourself this new year, I have to recommend a little bit of retail therapy to kickstart your self-care afternoon. I often find that taking the time to think about myself and my wants, rather than my needs, can be a very kind and mood-lifting thing, even if I am only indulging myself one or two items. Investing in comfort, relaxation, your hobbies, and your home, are fantastic ways to indirectly make more time for yourself this year and generally improve your livelihood and routine. Providing yourself with inexpensive but quality items to uplift whatever area of your life is, in my opinion, money well spent.

There are loads of feel-good items across all our categories here at OHS that I like to treat myself to when I can, some of which I’ve linked to below for your convenience. The important thing here is spending within your means of course, though between you and me, at these prices you can’t really go wrong.

 

  1. Loungewear
  2. Cushions and Throws
  3. Storage
  4. Bedding

 

Love your lunch

Lunch is always a great way to break up your day and refuel to keep energised. On days like these I try to remember to savour my meals and appreciate them. Preparing and enjoying a hearty lunch to some calming music is one of my favourite ways to spend an afternoon, just enjoying my own company in the comfort of my home. During this time, I also recommend trying to take a break from screentime, though this is more of a struggle than I care to admit. This means you get to really sit with yourself and enjoy your home and the atmosphere you’ve worked so hard to create. Enjoy some good food and take the time to replenish for the rest of the day.

For lunch, you really can’t go wrong with a green-packed super salad. Contrary to popular believe, at least in my opinion, salads can actually be delicious. I’ve included one of my favourite salad recipes below, but feel free to tweak and add to it to suit your preferences. One of the best things about salads is how easy they are to change up for variety so that you never get bored.

One salad recipe that I love for how tasty it is, but also how simple and quick, is a crispy chickpea salad. Firstly, you’ll want to cook your chickpeas for 3-4 minutes in oil until a little bit crispy. Next, whisk up 2 tsp paprika, 2 tsp mixed dried herbs (I like to add a little extra oregano and basil), and 2 tsp garlic granules, with 4 tsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 4 tsp rice vinegar and, finally, 2 tsp sesame sauce. Pour this mix with 4 tbsp of water over the chickpeas and bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes. The mixture should reduce slightly, at which point you can remove from the heat, taste, season, and set aside. The base of this salad can really be made up of anything, but I like to use some crisp mixed leaves, fresh spinach, ribbons of carrot (cucumber is also delicious), and broccoli. Simply scatter the chickpeas on top and enjoy!

 

Relish and reconnect this afternoon

After lunch, I usually like to chill out for a while either doing something that I really enjoy or something that I really want to get into. Giving a little attention to leisure is good for the soul, and keeps your day nice and paced between being active and relaxing. For me, something that I love is reading. Of course, this is a common and easy pastime where something exists for everyone. Reading is a great cognitive exercise and is a great way to spend an afternoon rejuvenating your mind.

Alternatively, I have recently been wanting to get back into painting because it is something I used to love and know I would benefit from getting back into it. Perhaps you also have old hobbies that you let slip which you would like to reconnect with this year. Maybe there is something completely new that you’ve been thinking about trying out, to which I say; why not? Whether you opt for a pair of knitting needles or really fancy a nice brisk walk to enjoy the fresh air, spend a couple hours of your afternoon doing something fun and maybe a little challenging.

 

Soak up the evening

Now, after a stimulating activity I reckon you deserve a treat. Around this time of my me-day, I like to start the self-care (my favourite part of the day, if I’m honest). A self-care routine is going to vary for everyone depending on your time and what areas you are focusing on. For me, this is very much about relaxation and using products that will, ultimately, make me feel refreshed and looking my best.

Take the time and head to the bathroom to draw yourself a frothy bath, crisp with suds and your preferred scents. Light your favourite candles, both for complimentary aromatherapy and relaxing mood lighting. This is great time to apply a face mask (I recommend a simple mix of Greek yogurt and turmeric for an inexpensive and restorative home-made mask), sit back, and unwind. I don’t know about you, but once I’m in a filled tub lined with bubbles, with washes of sweet, balmy heat in the air, I could stay there all night. I could sit happily and prune like a peach, soaking in the water like sun. However, all good things must end. I like to give myself around 45 minutes to relax in the water, usually with some music in the background or a good podcast if I’m feeling engaged..

Give yourself ample time after your bath to apply your regular skincare treatments, even break out the nice stuff as a little treat. My after-bath skincare routine I like to keep relatively simple with a quick 10-minute face peel (AHA 30% + BHA 2%), a splash of cold water, moisturiser and a few drops of rosehip oil, which is great for tightening pores and brightening skin. It’s important not to over stimulate your skin with contrasting products, or too much of a good thing. Choose the products that work for you carefully, use in moderation, and make sure they work well in conjunction with each other.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy elevated eating

Once you’ve taken care of yourself, let your focus shift to a satisfying dinner. Prepare a simple yet nutritious meal that both nourishes your body and mind. I would advise you avoid heavy or processed food because these have the potential to disrupt your sleep later on in the evening. I like to enjoy selfcare evenings by myself to the max by preparing a cosy nook in the living room. Quite simply, I scatter some plush throws and cushions over the sofa and, once again, light a few candles, a nice incense, and play some relaxing music. This really just makes for a soft and warm atmosphere where you can enjoy your food in comfort and style.

As you prepare dinner and while you’re eating, I encourage you to take this downtime to reflect on the positivity of the day so far. Make mental or physical notes on your thoughts and feelings, and think about what you intend to get done within the next few days. Practicing this kind of reflection can provide a sense of closure for the day and contribute to a more positive mindset to take with you as the month progresses.

 

Wind down for a fully realised sleep

After your cosy dinner, this is a good time to wind down for the evening with a calming activity like gentle yoga or enjoying a cup of tea. Things like this can signal to your body that it is time for bed and time to relax. I try to avoid the use of my phone, or any electronics really, for about an hour before bed. Of course, this can be difficult and sometimes impossible depending on the day, but minimising your exposure to blue light is important because it can interfere with your sleep cycle. Create a comfortable and conductive environment for sleep by dimming your lights and employing comfy bedding – I can’t recommend our Teddy bedding enough for a warm, cosy, and encompassing night’s sleep. A deep and consistent sleep schedule is super important to overall well-being, and I’ve realised is really what sets the stage for me to have a fresh and rejuvenated start to the following day.

 

In conclusion, creating time for yourself at home on Blue Monday or any other day is a powerful act of self-care that can significantly impact your overall well-being. By following the outlined plan for a perfect solo day, you've taken deliberate steps to rejuvenate both your mind and body. Whether through mindful activities, pampering routines, or simply allowing yourself the freedom to indulge in the things that bring you joy, you've invested in your mental and emotional health.

Remember that self-care is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice. Incorporating these small yet intentional actions into your routine regularly can lead to long-lasting positive effects. So, as you bid farewell to your perfect solo day, carry the essence of this rejuvenating experience into the days ahead. Remember, creating time for yourself is a gift that keeps on giving, fostering resilience, balance, and a sense of contentment.

 

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