Has January got you feeling a bit washed up? Equally the longest month, along with 31-day comrades March, May, July, August, October and December, January lacks the pizazz of its lengthy colleagues. March brings the clocks changing and advent of light evenings. May has the appeal of not one, but two bank holidays (if you’re reading in Britain and have a job that affords you this, anyway). July and August are “summer summer” and October has the “good winter” feel when it’s not too dark and cold and there’s still stuff to look forward to. December brings Christmas, and maybe some time off (for most). In this company, January is that really long month where it’s a total drag til payday and a constant realisation that it’s still going to be dark and cold for AGES.

We here at the good ship Plankind are still in new year positivity mode, and with a blog title on soap this fortnight, here are a few tips for washing away the January blues…

1. It’s February this weekend folks! You made it through the longest of long months (see paragraph 1). Remind yourself of simple things – you can easily get through the shortest month!
2. Book things to look forward to. Something little once a week – it can be a favourite podcast, painting your nails. But put it in your calendar or diary. This is a visual reminder that self-care is important too – after all you don’t hesitate to diarise work meetings or life admin appointments.
3. Actually wash away the blues. If you’re feeling weary, wash your face (or have a bath or shower if time permits). Everything feels better after a splash of water to freshen up.
4. Work on reconciling your life attitude with the winter days. Set an achievable goal – could be one 5 minute walk, run or roll outside a week or longer/more days depending on your current levels. Commit to meeting that goal. Even on a rainy day, being outside in nature makes a huge difference to your physical and mental health. Clothes dry out and skin is waterproof – avoid the culture of negative excuses.

Next fortnight I’ll be writing On Phones, in the first of a new series linking to MMAP’s ScreenFree philosophy. It’s good to talk, so tell me your views on phones and please get in touch with any particular aspects of this subject you’d like me to write about.

In the meantime,

Happy Planning

PS If you want some other free tips for your business life, check out the Working Well blog – out fortnightly on Wednesdays, courtesy of Make Me A Plan’s Productivity Expert, Penny Le Kelly. Browse the latest edition here:

https://www.makemeaplan.com/news/mastering-your-prioritisation-techniques-to-keep-your-to-do-list-in-check/