How to keep smiling this January

Do you need a little pick me up on so-called Blue Monday? Some say the third Monday in January is the gloomiest of the year, the day the last of the festive spirit subsides.

But January doesn't have to be all doom and gloom - after all - the days are lengthening and spring is around the corner! Here’s how to put some zest into your life this season.

Me time

Relax with a hot bath! Not only does a wallow in the tub warm the cockles of your heart, research says it’s good for your health too. “I heartily recommend bathing”, nutritionist, Suzi Grant says. “It can prevent colds and viruses, reduce stress, improve sleep, strengthen blood circulation, boost the immune system and detoxify the body.”

Do we hear the taps running? If so, why not make your bathtime an extra special treat by adding a few drops of essential aromatherapy oils? Becky at The Lifestyle Blogger recommends Beatitude - Peace Aromatherapy Bath Oil. She says:

“It made me feel really warm, relaxed and comfortable…the same sort of feeling you get from a really nice hug from a loved one.”

Create the perfect atmosphere for your bath by treating yourself from our sale. Gorgeously decadent, our soy wax scented candles promise to make your bathtime a fragrant experience that’ll have you hogging the bathroom for hours!

Plant power

You don't have to wait for spring to inject colour and life into your surroundings. Antonia over at interiors blog, Tidy away today, loves indoor plants for the calming presence they bring to a room. But they can do far more than purify the air and cheer you up. She says that according to recent research, “Plants can inspire creativity and help to generate better business ideas.”

The delightful Peace Lily features among Antonia’s top five houseplants. Its dark leaves and curling white flowers, are perfect for rooms that attract little sunlight. Not very green fingered? The Jade plant is perfect for you. A succulent, it retains water in its attractive fleshy leaves and if you forget to water it, it should still survive!

Cook yourself cheerier

January is the time to reboot family mealtimes with a new year diet that warms and detoxes. Ready to be inspired? Good Housekeeping have a selection of healthy comfort food recipes. Check out their delicious turkey tagine - a great way to use up the last of the left overs or alternatively make with chicken or pork.

Natural light is in short supply at this time of year so why not bring some sunshine into your cooking? BBC Good Food provide some timely advice on boosting your sense of wellbeing with hearty meals and light bites that are rich in omega 3 - a proven source of vitamin D.

Do try their recipe for Salmon and puy lentil salad with olive dressing - an authentic taste of the Mediterranean that’s bound to lift your spirits. Looking for something quick and easy to make? How does a Tomato, sardine and rocket open sandwich sound?

And, if your apron is looking a little tired, check out the dotcomgiftshop Winter Sale, where you'll find the pretty 'rambling rose' cotton apron reduced from £19.95 to just £6.95.

Spend time with your children

Let children remind you to smile! Now’s a great time to reconnect with the young people in your life. Arrange to spend some time with your own little ones, grandchildren or even the kids next door. Embrace your inner child and sing, dance and play with abandon – the kids will love it and you won't be able to wipe the cheesy grin off your face.

Children love to get stuck into some making. Check out our hobbies section for a great selection of crafting ideas. And why not take a look at our sale?  The 'Make your own playtime friends craft kit' is only £1.00 (was £4.95) and is suitable for children over six years old. Alternatively, younger children will love the '5 piece wooden vegetable play set' at £2.95 (was £9.95).

Get moving

Feeling a little sluggish after all that festive food and drink? You can boost your mood and energy levels by getting active. The Mental Health Foundation says:

“Exercise not only helps boost your energy levels and immune system, it also causes the release of endorphins – naturally occurring chemicals that make us feel happier.”

But you don't have to become a gym buff or start training for a marathon to restore your zest for life. Go for a bracing winter walk, or attack that housework you've been putting off. Cycling and swimming are also great ways to introduce gentle exercise, and are a great opportunity to have fun with friends and family.

Random acts of kindness

Do something nice for someone else and the warm glow of satisfaction you’ll feel is sure to lift your spirits. A random act of kindness can be as simple as phoning someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, babysitting for a frazzled friend or baking a little extra and taking the surplus around to the neighbours.

If you’re looking for a chance to give something back, the Do-it Trust is a good place to start. It’s a national database that matches volunteers with opportunities in their area. As they say, now is the chance to start “making a difference in the world." What better way to give yourself a much needed boost this New Year!

We’d love to hear how you keep yourself smiling right through to spring. Happy January!