​January Blues or Blahs…

If you are feeling down now that the holidays have past, you are not alone.

The New Year is a time for optimistic new goals and initiatives, but for many there is a dip in that positivity.

Call it The January Blues or The Blahs the fact is that it may be a very real physical condition, here is some great advice we found on the web from therapist Rosemary Sword. Ms. Sword explained “It's a form of depression that many people feel after the holidays and sometimes before.” January Blues or Blahs can last for a few post-holiday weeks.

Is it the same as Seasonal Affective Disorder?

No! January Blues is a situational depression and it is associated with how we think and feel.

Most of us have heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can affect people for months at a time, some doctors believe it is related to how the body responds to sunlight and/or lack of negative ions in the patient’s personal environment.

Alison Kerry, from the mental health charity Mind, says: "With SAD, one theory is that light entering the eye causes changes in hormone levels in the body.

"In our bodies, light functions to stop the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making us wake up.”

"It's thought that SAD sufferers are affected by shorter daylight hours in the winter. They produce higher melatonin, causing lethargy and symptoms of depression."

How do you know you are suffering from the January blues?

People start to suffer from the January Blues right after the holidays when all the festive holiday decorations are gone, and things are back to normal. Sluggish from the excess food and drinking, missing the family that has now gone, and a letdown if your New Year hasn’t gotten off to the start you had hopes for.

How do you deal with January Blues?

Sometimes going for a walk or finishing a project you started are ways to deal with the emotional lull. Sword says: “Get out in nature, even if it's for a little while. You are unique and valuable so enjoy your beautiful life."

Of course, we recommend IonLoop negative ion bracelets which have proven to be valuable in combating SAD, they just may help you get through January.