We’re fully immersed into January, and we can safely say the festive period is officially over. Many of us are broke, flagging in our New Year resolutions, and the cold weather seems colder now it’s not ‘Christmassy’.
The 20th of January, Blue Monday, is known as the gloomiest day of the year and as consequence, everyone’s mood hits a low point. However, Avenue HQ is determined to beat those blues, by offering a full week of events centred around wellness, catered to make everyone feel positive and ready for the year to come.
Wellness has come into focus in recent years, and for good reason. As many of us step away from the traditional 9-5, the rise of the always-on culture means that a healthy work/life balance is harder to maintain. However, with mental health complications on the rise, it is more important than ever to take a step back and focus on you and your health. So what better time to do that than in the new year. There are many small changes that you can make to improve your wellbeing, that are also easy to turn into a habit. See if you can feel the difference by incorporating these into your daily routine:
Stop scrolling
There has been mountains of research that suggests that excessive scrolling on social media is bad for your mental health. Instead of spending your free time on Facebook, pick up a book or watch a film instead. Both stimulate your imagination, and can make you feel more fulfilled than mindless scrolling.
Get your heart rate going
Although exercise will be on most people’s resolutions list, there are more benefits to getting your blood pumping than just burning calories. From a quick walk in your lunch break, to an after-work yoga session, exercise releases tons of endorphins, lifting your mood and making you happy!
Get your greens
Eating your veggies provides your body with a boost of vitamins, helping you beat that mid-January cold. From smoothies to Buddha bowls, getting the right nutrients can help your body get back to top form. During the AHQ Week of Wellness, there will be a range of specials that provide a helping hand to getting 5-a-day.
Cut the coffee
Caffeine addicts will be pleased to hear that a morning cup of coffee improves focus and alertness, setting you up for the day ahead, so there’s no need to cut it all out. However, continuing to consume caffeine after lunch can have negative effect on the quality of your sleep. So, try replacing your afternoon espresso with herbal tea or fresh juice to feel well rested and refreshed.
Get a good night’s sleep
The blue light from phones and laptops is proven to increase the time it takes for you to fall asleep. Introducing a screen ban an hour before bedtime is an easy way to wind down from the day, and to let your body know it’s time to relax. Getting 8 hours of sleep is vital to keep your brain on top form and let your body recharge.
Do something for others
Helping out in your community is a great way to boost your self-worth, giving you a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Volunteering connects you to the community and is proven to release happy hormones. We are hardwired to help! If you don’t have time to spare, donating can offer the same feeling of fulfilment. At Avenue HQ we like to get involved with local charities, including local Liverpool charity, The Whitechapel Centre, so keep posted with we support and the volunteering/donating opportunities they offer.
Want to learn more? Read about our Week of Wellness from 2019 to find out more about what the week is all about.