How to beat the January blues

By Sarah Joan Ross on 18/1/2022

Our mental health and wellbeing have been pushed to their very limits over the last few years; on top of dreary, January, and the post-festive season slump, it all adds up to one blue mood which is why 'Blue Monday' is now one of those faux-official days, the name was reportedly coined by psychologist Cliff Arnall in 2004, it falls on the third Monday in January every year.

However, there is something we can do about the 'January blues'. Searching for those little pockets of joy between government announcements, politics, vaccinations and scary statistics - could be a perfect place to start, mentally.

We talk to Margo Marrone, a pharmacist and homoeopath who co-founded The Organic Pharmacy, on her mantras for beating the January blues and helping us all to find simple ways to stay positive in 2022.

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1. Fill your body with sunshine

In the winter, we don't get to see the sun very much, but I make sure that at least once a day, my body is filled with sunshine in the form of a fresh juice or smoothie.

One of my favourite combinations every winter is pomegranate and orange – packed to the brim with vitamins, it's like drinking liquid sunshine.

2. Light some incense

If I ever wake up feeling blue, the first thing I do is light incense and say thanks for three things in my life that I'm grateful for.

They don't have to be big but anything I feel that day. It's amazing how quickly it changes and lifts the mood. My favourite incense is from House of Roxy Cleanse and Protect.

House of Roxy Cleanse and Protect Incense, £7.50 – buy here

3. Connect with nature

Even if I don't have time to go to the park or for a nice country walk I connect with nature by spending 10 minutes nurturing my plants, watering them, touching them and making sure they thrive.

The connection to nature is so important for our health.

4. Stop and smell the roses – literally

When I've been rushing around all week, I will take time to stop and look around me.

There is so much beauty to admire in birds, clouds, flowers, and the leaves, even on the street. When we stop and look, we start to see beauty everywhere.

5. Take a bathing ritual

Nothing relaxes me more than a facemask and a bath. My winter favourites are TOP Honey and Jasmine Mask and a bath with jasmine bath oil – heaven.

Having a bath is so much more than getting clean physically; it's cleansing and restorative emotionally and energetically too.

The Organic Pharmacy Honey & Jasmine Mask, £40

Drench skin in comfort and joy with this delightfully smelling skin-saving mask.

The Organic Pharmacy Honey & Jasmine Mask, £40 – buy here

The Organic Pharmacy Jasmine Bath oil, £45.95

Turns bathtime into a luxurious bathing experience.

The Organic Pharmacy Jasmine Bath oil, £45.95 – buy here

6. And breathe!

The breath is so important, but so many of us hardly use it. It's a powerful tool to relax and regenerate the mind and body.

You can try any good essential oil, but I use the Moon Bitches Inhalation Salts.

I close my eyes and take deep breaths in and out for five minutes, which helps to get rid of anxiety and stress.

Moon Bitches Inhalation Salts, £24

With Himalayan salt crystals, eucalyptus, sage and rosemary, it's everything you need at this time of year to clear the head, sinuses, and mind.

Moon Bitches Inhalation Salts, £24 – buy here

7. Pet an animal

I'm so lucky that I have two beautiful cats that I can spend time with, but even if you don't have a pet, you will know someone who does – so offer to go for a walk with them or dog-sit. Or reach out a hand to stroke cats in your neighbourhood.

They are the best!

8. Try a super-supplement

I'm a great believer in the right supplements. I've seen with my own eyes the beneficial effects they've had on thousands of people.

My top one this winter to fight the blues is Immune Boost Day – a supplement containing vitamin D – something we are lacking especially in winter and which helps fight the blues.

The Organic Pharmacy Immune Boost Day, £49

Bolster the immune system with this potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that assists joints, boosts energy and helps the body recover when starting a new training regime.

The Organic Pharmacy Immune Boost Day, £49 – buy here