Surviving January
So here we go, it’s the start of a New Year and for a lot of us, new unknown challenges lie ahead. But it’s ok, because I’m here to offer some words of comfort and give you a nudge in the right direction if you’ve lost your way.
In my last blog I touched upon the challenge that lies ahead for a lot of us after the madness of Christmas is over. In this blog I want to share some of the things I have personally found hugely beneficial when tackling January head on.
If anyone has read my story, you’ll know that my mum sadly passed away on Boxing Day and we held her funeral in January. That in itself brings a stark reminder of loss for me this year, but I have come up with a list if proven tips that honestly may help you too if you are also dealing with loss.
Firstly, some of these suggestions may sound cliche but hear me out… from someone who has somehow managed to lift myself out of a very challenging spiral of grief I can honestly say they do help.
Drink ALL the water, keeping hydrated helps to boost energy levels throughout the day and flush out any toxins that may be lingering from overindulging over Christmas, or on days when turning to a glass of gin seems like the only answer. (And I promise it’s not) I personally found that challenging myself to drink 2.5 litres of water per day helped to regulate my appetite and encourage me back into a better eating pattern.
Get out in the fresh air. Now, this is something I am so passionate about as this has REALLY helped me over the last year. Being out in the fresh air is proven to naturally boost your mood and if you set yourself a step goal then it can also help to give you purpose again. Endorphins will also help to naturally boost your mood. Honestly walking every day is one thing that pulled me out of a very dark and unhappy place. Walking is also the perfect time to let go of those negative emotions and have a good cry. When we deal with grief, we spend a lot of time putting on a brave face but processing emotions and allowing yourself to cry is so important when dealing with grief. From someone who has experienced trauma counselling that was probably the biggest lesson I learned.
Make a January bucket list. - why not? January is a month where we often spend most of our time hiding from the miserable weather so why not write a list of things to accomplish to keep you on track this month. If you’re really struggling then start by making a small list each day, - you could even start simply by putting on a load of washing or walking to a local shop and buying some recipe bits to cook a nice wholesome meal. - processing grief and surviving the storm is about taking small steps forward in any way you can. You might even decide to add a purchase of If Heaven had a postcode to your January survival list. Or begin by starting the winter section of your book.
Just remember, whatever you decide to accomplish this New year, the fact you’ve got this far is an achievement in itself, especially when getting through the days can be a real struggle. Just please remember you are not alone, there is always a place for you on my Blog, and I hope as we move through the seasons of grief together that you’ll realise I’m here to hold your hand.
Check back in next week where I will continue my January survival guide. I’ll also share my own January bucket list with you just in case you need a little help to get started.
Sending love to those who need it,
Thank you so much for reading,
Sabrina x