Beating the January Blues
When is Blue Monday?
As last month’s festivities fade into memory, Blue Monday (the third Monday in January) is said to be the gloomiest day of the year: working routines have resumed, credit card bills are due, the weather isn’t great… But with the right preparation and mindset, we believe we can beat the January blues!
Given that it’s not too far away we’re being proactive with some top tips on how to avoid the January blues and maintain your well-being in the new year:
Blue Monday is the third Monday in January – occurring on January 16th this year
1. If you are feeling gloomy, remember it is OK to feel this way…
There are many reasons why people feel low and lack energy during the darker winter months. Some are biological so it’s helpful to understand that this is a natural response and that the feeling will pass. Talk to people about how you’re feeling, and if you are really blue check out the other sources of support below.
2. Beware resolutions!
You’ll see lots of posts about setting yourself resolutions for January. But make sure you’re not beating yourself up in February over an unrealistic goal that didn’t work out- that’s not the best long-term motivator. Just like when planning Learning Objectives, make sure that resolutions aren’t too vague, such as “save money”, “be more organised” or “lose weight”. Instead, make sure they are specific, manageable and measurable, such as “On weekday evenings, make sure to leave the school site by 5 pm.”
(It may be more helpful to set ‘intentions’ for the year ahead)
This could apply to your professional life, but perhaps more importantly, your personal life. Set yourself a few simple personal intentions or goals for the year. Things that will give you a sense of achievement as you make progress. We recommend setting a few that relate to out of school activity, for example:
- sign up for a local 5k or 10k charity run and start training
- join an online class or group (e.g. book club, quiz night, yoga class) perfect for squeezing in around a busy schedule.
- Aim to visit 12 new areas/towns/boroughs within the school year (i.e. one day trip to explore per month!)
3. New Year; New You? Try something new in 2023
Every year is different. How will you make this one different? On your own or with a friend, throw ideas around till you find one thing you’d love to achieve, do or learn this year that feels exciting. Work out the steps you need to take. Make a plan and take that first step.
4. Get active
Exercise is one of the best ways to improve well-being and mood. The good news is that it doesn’t have to mean getting hot and sweaty – using the stairs instead of the lift, circulating your classroom more during the day or taking a short brisk walk is perfect (and ticks off number 8 as well, number 10 too if you go with a friend.) You may not want to, but the endorphin release guarantees you’ll feel better afterwards.
5. Address any worries
If you think you have specific things that are making you anxious or sad, make a list and add possible solutions. Writing things down can help identify simple solutions such as: “ask someone for help”. Once you’ve admitted it and identified it, you can then action it.
Always remember that Prospero’s Training & Development Team are here to help you with anything related to teaching.
6. Read for pleasure
It can be hard to find either time or the will to pick up your book when you spend a lot of your day getting children reading for work. But reading for pleasure has both health benefits and burying yourself in a book of your choice is a great way to take your mind off the cold. Rediscover your love of reading.
7. Eat healthily
We all know what comfort eating is: feeling down, being drawn to sugar and junk food, eating way too much. Make sure you’re eating a good, varied diet with things like nuts, fruit and veg, dairy, fish, pulses and grains. What we put in our bodies makes a difference so treat it like school and get organised: plan meals in advance to prepare for the week.
8. Get as much daylight as possible
A lack of daylight is partly why people suffer ‘winter blues’ especially as working hours are spent inside. It may be chilly but why not grab those break duties to take every chance to be outside during the day, especially on Blue Monday!
9. See a doctor (if necessary)
If your low mood has been severe and is lasting more than a couple of weeks, you may want to see a GP, in case you need treatment. There is nothing wrong in reaching out for help.
10. Surround yourself with support
Find someone to talk to – a family member, a friend or a trusted colleague or another adult. Many of your friends and peers may be having similar feelings so why not team up with a friend to support each other? If someone you talk to doesn’t understand, do not be disheartened but instead try someone else.
Are you looking for a new challenge this year?
Beat the January blues and find teaching jobs in 2023.
Do you have a friend who is actively looking for a teaching position in the new year? Refer them to us and brighten up their January.
Find more interesting blog articles on work-life balance – so you can be the teacher you want to be.
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The Prospero Learning team have carefully developed our training provision, which include online and face-to-face CPD courses.
Book your place for one of our live courses today!
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Our upcoming LIVE courses include:
- 14th Jan: Teaching Assistant Skills CPD (London Office)
- 18th Jan: Behaviour Management (Online)
- 4th Feb: Supporting Learning with SEND (London Office)
- 8th Feb: Supply Teaching Strategies (Online)
- 15th Mar: Supporting Learners with SEND (Online)
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