Bring Some Positivity to January: Here’s How…

The run up to Christmas is expensive. On top of that, most people get paid earlier than normal in December, making January an extremely long month. There’s no denying that an unhealthier-than-usual bank balance and fewer plans in the diary (as a result of social burnout over the festive period + low funds) can make even the best of us feel glum. With all that in mind, we’re preparing you for January by sharing with you some ways you can ensure the month is nothing less than positive. Go on; start the year off the right way by following these tips for a happier, healthier January. Here’s how…

Find Something Good in Every Day

The start of January tends to feel better than the few days leading up to pay day. You may still be in the festive spirit and you’re probably off work, too. By the end of the month, you’re likely to be skint, still a bit bloated from Christmas indulgence and a little fed up that spring and summer are an extremely long way away.

Action for Happiness is urging everyone to feel happier in the first month of the year – and beyond. Thanks to its fun and interactive Happier January calendar, the movement – which has a mission to create a happier world ‘where everyone can thrive’ – has a tip or prompt per day for boosting your mood. They include ‘making time to do something kind for yourself’, ‘learn something new and share it with others’, and ‘get back in contact with an old friend’.

Download the calendar today, print it off and stick it somewhere you can see it. By the end of January we bet you’re feeling much brighter about the year ahead.

Make 2023 the Year You Get Your Finances in Order

We get it, money – or rather, the lack of it – is getting a lot of you down at the moment. It can be hard to look forward to things when financial worries are clouding your outlook, but you can take small steps to a healthier financial future in January, with a view to your situation being much brighter by the end of the year, or earlier.

Start by setting up a budget to help you achieve your goals; doing so will ensure you stay on track throughout the month of January and beyond. Why not introduce a ‘no-spend month’ soon, buying only the essentials and saving the rest? It can be an eye-opening challenge but you may also find that, once you get into the swing of it, you start to embrace new ways to save money.

Set up a plan to pay off any debt, or contribute to a retirement account and/or a pension pot. If you don’t yet have an emergency fund, set one up for a rainy day – or to help you tackle the rising costs of living.

Small steps can make a big difference, but starting can be the hardest part; don’t put it off, just do it – we bet you’ll feel better by in a slightly better position at the end of the month.

Get Moving

We all know by now that moving more doesn’t just give your physical health a boost; it can also drastically improve the way you feel mentally. After all, January can hit us hard in terms of our mood – so now’s the perfect time to introduce a new exercise regime, get walking in nature, or join a gym (if you can afford it).

Exercising doesn’t have to cost a fortune, though. If you have a digital device and an Internet connection, you can take part in online workouts on YouTube. Joe Wicks, via his Body Coach TV channel, will get you moving, or try a slower approach, with some gentle yoga.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, simply head outside for a walk around the block. Start slowly and transform your fitness in no time at all; we can recommend the NHS’ Couch to 5K programme, which helps you on your way to comfortably running a distance of 5K.

Make Plans

One of the easiest things you can do to boost your mood is to make some plans – and they don’t have to be plans that cost money.

Get a few things in the diary and you’ll have plenty to look forward to. A walk in the park with a friend, an at-home film night with your family, or even a video call with an old pal; making plans will do you – and your mood – a world of good. Here’s to 2023!

Want to know more about our products – and how they can set you up for a healthier financial future? Get in touch with our friendly team today.

If you need financial advice…

It’s a good idea to talk to an Independent Financial Advisor (IFA). You can find local financial advisor by visiting www.unbiased.co.uk. You may need to pay for a financial advisor’s help, so make sure you ask them about their fees first.