January Blues, Magenta Days

This year, the people in the know at Pantone have named magenta as the official colour for 2023. That’s Viva Magenta 18-1750 for web designers, or those who generally like detail. Described as an animated red shade with blue-purple undertones, the bright, bold colour is said to be rooted in nature, ready to promote joy and build our inner strength. Throwing shade is going to be much nicer this year. From clothing stores to garden centres, expect to see Viva Magenta popping up everywhere over the next 12 months.

But a lot of us are feeling more meh, than magenta right now. If you’re one of the countless people currently feeling tired, sad, lacking motivation or generally in a low mood then you’re probably experiencing the January Blues. Yet to be given an official Pantone number. After all the busy-ness, excitement and over-indulgence of Christmas, January with its routine, bad weather, diets, dark mornings and long nights can be hard. Combine that with the current cost-of-living crisis and it’s not surprising so many of us feel down. Don’t disappear back under your blanket just yet though, because there are a few easy things we can do to help ourselves and our families beat those blues.

Before we go any further, January is also in the peak time for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can induce more serious depression. The precise cause of SAD is still unknown, but theories link it to a lack of sunlight preventing the hypothalamus from working properly. It is not a sign of weakness and treatments are available, so if you feel unable to cope with your ‘blues’, please contact your GP to talk things through.

If you’re simply feeling a bit underwhelmed this month and need some motivation or restoration, then we highly recommend giving some of these a go…

Firstly, go outside. The weather hasn’t been calling us to get our coats on lately, but making sure we feel as much daylight as we can in the winter is really important. Natural light increases our levels of Vitamin D and mood-boosting serotonin.

While you’re out, get some exercise. Getting active releases endorphins which can reduce stress, increase self-esteem and relieve depression. Try walking the school run or parking further from your work. If you’re up for more, find your local parkrun or junior parkrun.

When you are back inside, remember the comfort of warmth. Energy bills are rising, but simply snuggling up with a blanket and a cup or tea or hot chocolate and one of those trendy long hot water bottles can be healing for our bodies.

Also, try eating more good mood food. We’ve been craving carbs and comfort food this week, but don’t forget the healthier stuff too.

If you need something positive to focus on, try taking up a new hobby for the month, either on your own or as a family. If you need inspiration, there are a wealth of YouTube tutorials on everything from roulade-making to Mandalorian origami.

Finally, aim to get a good amount of sleep, keep in touch with friends and be kind to yourself.

We hope you all feel less January Blue and more Viva Magenta this week. If you’d like to talk to us about anything, please contact us – we like to keep in touch with friends at any time of the year.