The January blues

The build up to Christmas is my favourite time of the year, even more so than the day itself. It's the excitement and anticipation of Christmas coming that makes it such a lovely festive season. However, for me, this inevitably leads to an enormous thud back to reality when January rolls in and I know I'm not alone. If you have read some of my earlier blog entries, you will know that I am working abroad in Germany. It's compulsory in the UK to spend a year abroad if you study foreign languages and therefore, many of my friends both from home and University are in the same position. I had initially felt ready to come back to Germany after two weeks at home with my family and friends but on my first morning back, I got into bed and had a little sob! Within ten minutes, I was absolutely fine again and had to pick myself up and shake it off. Having spoken to friends, some are finding it really difficult to get back into the swing of things and are really quite sad to be back abroad. For anyone who is feeling a little down in January, whether that is due to the end of the festive season or like me, has had to move back abroad, I have some tips!

• Try and remember 'the bigger picture.' When you're upset or down, it is easy to lose sight of any goals you might have. In my case, I have to remember that learning languages has been a dream of mine since I was eleven and although some days are difficult and I face challenges, the positives certainly outweigh any negatives! Here, I am able to meet so many new people, experience a new culture and travel loads!
• Get out more! Whether that be with friends or alone, just get of your room and enjoy the fresh air! Albeit, slightly cold fresh air! I always find a coffee with friends can cheer me up if I've had a bad morning at work.
• Indulge a little. Whether it's your favourite chocolate, or a nice bubble bath, just do what makes you happy!
• Talking to friends can really help. You'd be surprised how many people suffer from January blues. If you're away from family and friends and homesickness is what is causing your blue mood, try not to talk to them too much as this might make it worse and instead, concentrate on the friends and contacts you have around you.