CHEAT YOURSELF HAPPIER

Beat the January blues with our speedy tips for boosting wellbeing

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Feeling chilly, bank balance not looking too healthy and riddled with guilt over Christmas indulgence? With the decorations back in the loft and the festivities now behind us, there are many reasons why you might be feeling an emotional and physical slump. In fact, January is universally thought to be so depressing that the first Monday of the third week is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’. The good news? There are things you can do to shift your focus and leave you feeling instantly happier, says psychology expert Bayu Prihandito from lifearchitekture.com. So, we asked our experts to share their best mood fixers to try today…

CLEAN THE HOUSE

Just like going for a brisk walk, cleaning and tidying can give us a buzz. The physical exertion of cleaning releases endorphins which interact with the receptors in the brain, triggering a positive feeling in our bodies. ‘Our outer world often affects our inner world so if we’re surrounded by clutter, that will often be reflected in our mood,’ says Bayu. ‘Transforming a mess into something cleaner and calmer is instantly, visibly gratifying – which can create feelings of contentment.’

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES AND SOCKS…