Creating a Happy January

It’s that weird time of year again, when the holidays are truly over and we are excited to begin a new year with a fresh start. I often find myself easily slipping into a strange place in January; perhaps it’s the lack of daylight and the lack of excitement going on in the world as everyone returns back to work and school. This year, I am determined to boost my happiness this month by changing my routine just a little bit each day.  Every little thing counts!

1. Plan an Outing

If you are really looking to get everyone in the household excited, gather everyone to start planning a family holiday or outing! Having something to look forward to will keep your moods high during the days in between. Look online for local deals to theatres and museums, or flip through magazines for destination getaway ideas.

2. Item Purging: One Room at a Time

​We have heard it before: less stuff = more happiness. January offers a perfect opportunity to go through each room of the house each day, and getting rid of things you no longer need. I did a lot of this in the kid's rooms before Christmas but now It is time for the rest of the house! I will often create a donations and a rubbish pile to make things easier (The British Heart Foundation will even collect your items from you for free). When your environment is clean and happy, you will be happy in turn!

3. Spice up your Meals

​Hot food and cold January nights go hand-in-hand. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to try a new stew or slow-cooker casserole, now is the time to do it! I love to take the time and research recipes online (using the family as taste-testing subjects, of course), and we enjoy testing out different foods that we normally wouldn’t go for. We’ve been ordering Chinese lately and the kids love the combination of flavours, and it has motivated me to create these dishes myself at home.

4. Meditation

​January can be a stressful month for many of us, as we are thrown back into the reality of things. A mood-boosting activity that will also calm any bad nerves is meditation, or self-reflection. Even 20 minutes of shutting out electronic devices, finding a quiet corner, putting on soothing music that you can easily find on YouTube, and just be present in your thoughts can make a difference.

5. Discover a New Hobby

​Discovering what you are good at can be a very exciting thing! I love to search for DIY activities online and attempt to craft in different ways. Give everything that tickles your fancy a try; painting, sewing, or learning a new instrument. Who knows, you may find your creative niche and will reap the benefits of happiness for a long time!
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In collaboration