Wellness tips to beat January Blues

Blue Monday, which usually falls on the third Monday of January, is renowned for being 'the saddest day of the year.' The popular term 'January Blues' definitely feels accurate, as it describes the month where people are back to work and reality - after spending the festive period celebrating amongst family and friends. There's also the ongoing pressure of keeping up with New Years Resolutions which may prove tricky to maintain alongside a full-time job and other responsibilities. Not to mention, January is a pretty long month in itself right in the middle of winter, where it feels like an age before the next payday is due - especially when Christmas is already an expensive time of year!

An article by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT) recognises the January Blues to be scientifically known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) , also known as "winter depression" -- which influences our moods, sleeping patterns and energy levels. The article states that approximately 1 in 15 people are affected by SAD, but rest assured - there are plenty of easy and affordable ways to get through the winter and help you feel more like you again!

That's why we've created this article with a round-up of our top wellbeing tips to help you overcome the January Blues, whilst also being mindful of your bank account!

Stay Active

This wellness tip may seem like a cliché, but there's definitely sense in incorporating an exercise regime and moving your body in a way that suits you, to avoid feeling low or having little energy in winter. Whilst a nice warm bed may seem more welcoming, exercising is a great way to get your blood pumping and tackle the icy cold that January is known for, not to mention working out boosts endorphines and serotonin levels in the body, which help to improve mood and concentration levels! What's even better, is that staying active does not have to cost you a thing! There are plenty of ways you can stay fit from the comfort of your own home - with little to no equipment needed at all! With plenty of home workout videos available on Youtube, including yoga workouts, strength training, pilates and so much more - all you may need to invest in is a yoga mat or some dumbells, and you should be good to go! Be sure to check out our free helpful guide on setting up a home gym, where you can find a wealth of information on how much it would realistically cost to set up a gym at home, ranging from a basic set up to high-end gym!

However, if your New Years Resolution was to join a gym and you think a good way to overcome the January Blues is getting out of the house (whilst also being mindful of your expenses in 2025), then why not browse our range of Gym discount codes, where you're sure to find a great deal to suit your needs. Alternatively, visit our article on how to save money on gym memberships, where you'll find all the research you could need on joining a gym whilst keeping the cost down!

Eat Properly

Diet and Nutrition goes hand-in-hand with staying fit, so it makes sense that eating properly is considered the next tip in our roundup! An article by the British Dietary Association (BDA) confirms the positive correlation that eating good, healthy food has on boosting our moods, where it is recommended that our diets contain plenty of fruits, vegetables, oily fish, protein and fibres too in order to support our bodies' functions but also boost our mood too! The popular saying "eat good, feel good" definitely comes in handy here!

Eating healthily does not have to be a strain on the bank account however, which is why we've rounded up some of our top Food & Drink discount codes so you can unlock great savings this January and enjoy guilt-free food shopping! Browse our Abel & Cole discount codes, Sainsbury's voucher codes and Gousto discount codes to get you started.

Alternatively, discover a range of helpful hints throughout our free guides on saving money on your grocery shop and how to meal prep to get you started this January!

Get Good Sleep

The quality of your sleep can definitely have an impact on your mood and energy levels the next day, that's why it's so important to regulate your sleep cycle with a focus on sleep health and sleep hygiene. The good news is, there are small changes you can make to improve the quality of your sleep - without spending a penny. Consider turning off all devices (phones, TV's, laptops etc) for up to two hours before you go to bed, so your mind is calm and not active before sleep! An article by CALM lists all the ways in which screen time negatively affects our sleep, including overstimulation of the brain, the emitting of blue light which suppresses melatonin production, and the general disruption of our sleep-wake cycle.

There are other affordable ways to get a good night sleep. Maybe 2025 is the year you finally upgrade your mattress, and see how the quality of your sleep improves too! Switching up your bedding, however - does not have to break the bank. Browse our extensive range of mattress and bedding discount codes, like Sleep Hubs, Kally Sleep Mattress Online, Mattress Next Day and so many more.

Learn A New Skill

Was learning a new skill in 2025 somewhere on your New Years Resolution's list? If so, you may be on the right track to beating the blues this winter! An article by NHS Sussex suggests that taking up a new hobby or learning a new craft is a great way to look after your mental wellbeing this winter, by boosting your self-confidence. Plus, there are so many creative skills you can accomplish from the comfort of your own home! Take inspiration from our blog on budget-friendly garden ideas to give your garden a winter glow up; invest in some DIY projects that don't drain your bank account with a Wilko discount code, and even challenge yourself by learning something new via an online course using one of our Centre of Excellence discount codes.

Whatever your passion may be, there are plenty of cheap ways to stay stimulated and creative this winter, whilst keeping your spending in check.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care can often accidentally get overlooked in the wintertime, due to busy schedules and other reasons. What's more, the lack of sunlight and cold weather can also have a physical impact on our skin, as well as affecting our moods. The good news, is there's plenty of ways to refresh your self-care routine whilst keeping your costs low. Check out our free guides on how to save money on beauty products, and how to protect your skin from dry weather this winter. The popular phrase "when you look good, you feel good" also rings true here. Improving your self-care routine and adopting small manageable habits, such as getting regular medical checkups, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and even having a good skincare routine in place means you can treat yourself for less. Visit our guide on how to look good on a budget, or alternatively browse our range of Health and Beauty discount codes, such as Neals Yard Remedies discount codes, Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor discount codes, Holland and Barrett discount codes to get you started.

Manage Your Money Effectively

You may be thinking, "what does managing my money have to do with the January blues?" Well, many individuals feel the financial strain in January after splurging at Christmas, not to mention - the cost of heating bills is typically higher in the winter as it's colder, which could result in increased stress and anxiety. An article by Logic Financial Services have rounded up some top tips on how to be smart with your money in order to beat the January blues, including paying yourself first and simplifying your budget.

Managing your money doesn't have to cost you money either! At Savoo, we have a range of helpful guides and resources to maximise your savings in just a few clicks. Start by using our free household budget calculator to calculate exactly how much you spend each month, understand your outgoings and expenses, and know exactly how much you need to put away each month. Next, consider our free savings calculator which is useful if you're looking to put away money each month towards a saving goal. You can also use this free tool to find out how long it will take you to reach your savings goal! For more tips on tricks on how to save money, check out our Savoo blog for ways to make your money go further.