A Gentle January: Caring for My Mental Health
We are nearly halfway through January and it seems that time is going at far too fast a pace. Christmas was amazing, seeing my son and daughter opening their pressies and spending time with my family; however, it was also a bit of a wipe-out for me. I ended up with gastroenteritis for 18 days and a trip to A&E for some much-needed fluids via IV for dehydration.
So I moved quite slowly out of the festive period as we entered January because I felt I had missed out on all the things I wanted to do whilst off work and with my family. You know the things: read the book, watch a TV series with no guilt (during the day), eat a few extra calories and spend more time with my family. So I did those things when I felt better, but alongside this came what we call the January blues – except they don’t just come in January for me.
I have come to realise that once you struggle with your mental health, you need to work a bit harder than those who don’t struggle to keep your health in check. At least, that’s the case for me. I have especially felt beaten over the last few days. Today is the first day I have felt less consumed, and I’m actually writing this blog in my local Nero with a much-needed oat latte.
So, what’s my toolkit (so far) for January? Let me tell you.
The Dare app – Honestly, this app has helped me so much. In 2023, I was having daily panic attacks and was completely out of my mind about what to do, until I stumbled across this app. The SOS area is a godsend and I have used it so many times. Over the last week, I’ve been using ‘Your Daily Dare’. I’ve completed the Health Anxiety Challenge, guided meditations, and the wind-down at night to help me ease into a more restful sleep.
Shakti Mat – A Christmas gift. You lay down on the mat, listen to the accompanying app, Shakti Shala, and let the audios guide you. The Shakti mat is an acupressure and wellness tool that really works. I feel so much more relaxed in both body and mind once I lay down and close my eyes.
Red Light Mask – I use this daily to help my tired eyes feel less puffy because, of course, how you look affects how you feel. There are so many on the market to suit most budgets.
Beurer TL30UK SAD Lamp – The mornings have been super hard to get through recently. I was struggling to wake up and feel motivated, so having this has been a great investment, especially when suffering with low moods like I do.
Journalling – Yep, I started journalling at the beginning of January and I love it. I put all my thoughts down, write what I’m grateful for and what I’d like to achieve, and it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Reading – Reading is such a simple pleasure, but a pleasure nonetheless. Losing yourself in a book, even for a short period, is a great way to leave your own thoughts outside for a little while.
Im excited, I have taken the decision to start seeing a counsellor. I have had therapy before, usually online, via text or as part of a group, but never a counsellor. I searched different places and am very lucky that near me I have Lake House, Kent, and the Shakra Centre, and I was able to find a counsellor who also uses a holistic approach.
For me, this is perfect, as I hold a lot of nervous energy in my body and experience a lot of anxious bodily sensations. Working alongside someone who will tailor my sessions to how I feel is brilliant. We discussed different approaches, from Reiki during my sessions to creative work to help show my feelings.
I’m excited and really proud of myself for making this move, as it’s one that still carries some stigma (I don’t know why) and is often put off. Well, not for me. In 2026, I’m putting my wellbeing first and taking action.
And I hope that you do too, because you matter, you deserve to feel well, and you are loved.
I have added links to the tools I use, I am in no way a affiliate, just hope they may help you too.
Moving on for the rest of January, I aim to continue using all the tools in my kit to help me continue to feel better, its very important to mention, that if you are feeling very low or like you can't cope you must make an appointment to see your GP! This is non-negotiable.
You can also visit the following websites for guidance and help.
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