Are You in a January Funk?

If you are feeling a weight of gloomy January funk, my message today is simple.

It's ok - you are not alone.

I know, I know... as a Mindset Coach you're probably expecting me to be spruiking “New Year New Me” season...

Where we all jump with gusto into our new health and fitness routines. Feel energized to leap into new jobs, projects, and work. Taking the year by the horns and making the most of every day!

Well, if you’ve been here for some time you’ll know that I keep things very real. To be totally honest I haven’t been feeling any of that! So, I figured you might not be either.

Maybe it's an emotional hangover from 2023 stress or the holiday break. Perhaps "change" or "decision making" just feels daunting right now. 

I want you to take a breath and know that it’s ok to embrace a slow transition into 2024 if you haven't jumped into January with gusto this year. Many of my clients are having the same experience.

There is nothing wrong with you if you’ve taken things slow, or been in a funk for the past few weeks.

This funk – it doesn’t mean you won’t get back in momentum. Or that this year is slipping you by. Perhaps it just means you needed a little more time to gently transition into 2024.

​Whatever has sparked the funk, here is what I suggest: 

​      1) Give yourself time and be gentle - there is no requirement to rush into 2024

(I don’t care what social media is telling you!) 

      2) Start small and try something new – do something fun to circumvent the funk! 

Research suggests that learning and trying new things helps to keep the mind young. I find this is the fast track to helping me snap out of a funk.  

In fact, numerous studies highlight the positive impact of incorporating new experiences into our lives. Engaging in new activities not only promotes cognitive flexibility but also stimulates the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter.

This surge of dopamine can act as a natural mood enhancer, counteracting the effects of a funk or low spirits.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that individuals who regularly engaged in learning new skills exhibited a slower cognitive decline as they aged. So, when the January funk hits, consider it an opportunity to discover something new, be it trying a new hobby, learning a new skill, or even exploring a different form of exercise. 
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Last week, I was ready for my "funk" to be over... 

So, I decided just to go out and try something new. I joined the “Class Pass” an app that allows you to try new exercise classes all over Singapore and I booked a beginners Pilates session. Something I had wanted to do for some time, but hadn't made space for it in my life.

Attempting this new form of exercise - yes, it was slightly overwhelming. Yes, I was nervous. And YES, I felt like a complete newbie!

But it was SO GOOD for my mental health!

Here's why - for a solid 50 minutes my mind had to be entirely present as my mental focus was on:

a) The teacher's instructions, and

b) Controlling the movements of my body so that I didn’t somehow snap a hamstring or flip off thereformer bed while in motion!

The outcome - I left that class feeling more grounded and “accomplished”.  

Attending this one class helped to trigger the good hormones in my brain (endorphins and dopamine really do help!) and the 50 mins of “being totally present” helped me forget all the to-do's and any worries circling my mind.

THIS combo had a snowball effect on my mood, energy, and momentum. 

And so... my January was finally off to a start. That one thing, has led to another class and another and another. It brought me joy to do something new.

It could well help you bring you joy too. 

It's never too late to start something new!
​Your current and future self will thank you for it. 
​- JB

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What is something new you could try this week?

My advice is always to start small and build your new habits and hobbies in small blocks. 

• Choose 1 new thing to learn/try/do too this month  
• Relieve that “New year new me” pressure and focus from finding the joy in it and building one thing at a time 

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​About the Author: 

Janel Briggs is an Author, Mindset Coach, Practitioner of NLP and Timeline Therapy on a mission to support women across the world in overcoming their  anxiety - personal insecurities and professional fears - to build unwavering confidence and self-belief. Mindset Coaching aims to help you fearlessly elevate your life and career, and more importantly the relationship you have with yourself! Connect with Janel on social media via Linkedin or Instagram.

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Ps. If you need inspiration to shake up your daily routine and start a new healthy habit for your mindset and mental health - my 1:1 Coaching is open for 2024! Book a complimentary chat today to talk about strategies for stress and anxiety relief in detail and let's get you back to thriving!