1. Exercise
When you are feeling down, exercise is one of the best ways to lift your spirits! Physical activity triggers your body to release hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which reduce anxiety and stress while giving you a boost of happiness. So, try to get some daily exercise, whether you go to the gym or prefer a walk!
2. Plan something fun
Now that the holidays and the break are over, January can feel endless. So, give yourself something to look forward to! For instance, start planning your (summer) holidays or plan a nice day or weekend away. Would you rather have something to look forward to in the short term? Then plan some fun activities, such as dinner with friends, an evening at the cinema or an afternoon shopping. By planning fun things on weekday evenings too, my week immediately feels a lot more fun, and I also have more motivation to study during the day.
3. Surround yourself with others
Having just returned from the holidays with family and friends, January can feel quite lonely. Spend time with people who make you happy, be it family, friends or fellow students. Are your parents or friends not around? Then give them a call! Just half an hour of catching up and sharing your thoughts can leave you feeling much better.
4. Take care of yourself
During a January slump, it is especially important to take good care of yourself. Stick to the clichés like getting enough sleep and eating healthily, but don't forget to relax too. Snuggle under a blanket on the couch with your favourite Netflix series, take a nice hot shower, read a good book or do a yoga session. Every once in a while, such a self-care evening can be a great way to recharge.
5. Make studying more fun
Unfortunately, there's no getting around the fact that exam week is coming up and there's work to be done. Are you struggling to get anything done? Try studying with a study buddy, exploring new study spots in the city or on campus, or playing a fun playlist. Such small changes can give you that extra push to stay motivated.
6. Get some daylight
The fatigue and lethargy you might feel during this time of the year can also be caused by a lack of daylight, and therefore vitamin D. With long days of lectures during the winter period, there are unfortunately days when you’re cycling to university in the dark and heading home in the dark too. Still, try to go outside during lunch breaks, or spend more time outdoors on weekends or free afternoons to soak up some daylight.
7. Talk about it
It is completely normal to sometimes feel a bit down during this time of the year. Talking about your feelings with a friend, for example, can be very relieving. Who knows, they might feel the same way, and you can support each other! If you really suffer from gloominess or experience depressive feelings, know that you can always turn to professional help, such as the university's student psychologist. Remember that you are not alone and that it is totally okay to seek help!
8. Focus on the bright side
In this dark month, it’s the little bright things that can cheer you up. Therefore, try to focus on the things that make you happy, no matter how big or small, and write them down. It could be a funny moment with friends or a compliment from a stranger. And remember: the shortest day is already behind us, the days are getting longer, and in just over a month, spring break will already be here!