Christmas was fabulous, though now it’s over, and many of us feel a bit ‘blah’. We’ve opened all the pressies and eaten all the mince pies, and it’s still looking very cold out there. If you feel the January blues taking hold, take a breath. These bedtime tips will help brighten you with a rested and restorative winter.

What are January blues?

January blues refer to feelings of sadness, depression, or a lack of motivation that some people experience during the month of January. This is a natural response for many of us to this time of year, which can take a toll on our mental health. The hype of Christmas is over, and the dark, colder mornings can seem to be never-ending and harder to deal with. January is the peak season for S.A.D (seasonal affective disorder). This affects up to two million people in the UK where the lack of sunlight can cause low mood, irritability and even depression. This can cause major disruption to your sleep cycle and exasperating symptoms. While this can be a hard time of year, taking the best care of yourself and getting the best sleep can help you feel better. Here are some easy ways to boost your mood and prioritise your well-being for a well-rested season.

Is your bedroom up for January?

One place we will all be spending more time during January is our bedroom. This is the perfect month to create a comfortable, calm, and cosy sanctuary. Having soft, breathable bedding will keep all that snuggle time healthy and fresh. Bamboo bedding is not only incredibly soft (even softer than Egyptian cotton), the natural fabric is thermoregulating, hypoallergenic, and anti-bacterial, keeping your skin protected and you wrapped up in style. Switching to bamboo bedding and duvets is the perfect treat not just for January; the eco-friendly bedding will keep you cool in the hot summer and cosy all winter. Now that is one January bedtime upgrade to feel good about.

Are you getting enough light?

Lack of sunlight is one of the biggest causes of S.A.D and low mood during winter. Although the days are shorter and darker, getting enough light to brighten your mornings and keep your circadian rhythm healthy is still possible. If you can open your curtains first thing or take a good stroll in the daylight, you will get a healthy dose of vitamin D, helping to set up your body clock for better sleep later. Getting enough daylight during waking hours and then lowering light exposure a few hours before bed can regulate the production of melatonin. This sleepy hormone will make you feel ready to drift off when you nestle into bed. If natural light is not an option, certain bedtime lamps can provide you with light therapy similar to sunlight you can switch on in the morning and use throughout the day. Letting in the light will give you a healthy fix of serotonin, the happy hormone that will boost your mood and your day to keep those January blues at bay.

How can you make your bedtime routine more restorative?

Life can sometimes feel a bit like work, sleep, repeat, though January is a great time to change your daily routine. Having enough time to switch between work and heading to bed can make a big difference in your sleep quality. Taking two hours to yourself in the evening is a great habit to set in winter and carry through for the rest of the year. Indulge in some ‘you time’ with a relaxing bath, a good book, and a cup of your favourite hot drink. (as long as it’s caffeine-free) A bedtime bundle of nightly oil and a light-blocking, smooth Bamboo eye mask can help set you up for a deeper, restorative rest. Making sure you treat yourself as a priority is key to keeping your mood, health, and well-being at its best- every season.

Give yourself some winter love

January is a hard month for us all, though it is also a great opportunity to take time to rest, recover and give yourself some love. From bedtime upgrades to keep you snug to a relaxing routine for a deeper slumber, prioritizing rest will help set you up for the bright, healthy, relaxed year you deserve.

Sweet Dreams