AJ’s advice – post-Christmas blues
| December 24, 2011 | Posted by Alaa Jasim under AJ's Advice |
Even though it doesn’t quite look like Christmas outside yet (there’s no snow) the festive season is upon us. Needless to say that if it snows in the night, I’ll look very foolish. In fact it’s Christmas day tomorrow! But this time of year always leaves me feeling downtrodden after seeing the Christmas trees slowly disappear, the wrapping paper get thrown away, and people just seeming to lose their energy. It doesn’t seem like there’s a lot to look forward to, so at this time of year, despite my wariness of snow (I’m so clumsy, I nearly killed the neighbour’s dog last year by slipping and almost falling on it… Oops), I find myself wishing for it.
I mean, let’s be honest, the new year doesn’t really offer much, does it? January comes around and we get back to school and have to face the January exams. The prospect doesn’t seem any more appealing when you’re reminded that the end of the world is coming around – I’m a sceptic myself, but who knows? Anyway, let’s not dwell on that: here are my top tips on making winter a little less glum.
1. Take some time to reflect
We all want different things from the new year, and most of us don’t really know what that is. I suppose for me I just want a new year for a new start and a benchmark for moving on. I’m pretty sure I don’t need any more luck, and I don’t need a miracle – those are all things that would be better used somewhere else. Every now and again I do like to take a minute to appreciate what I already have, and sometimes that’s enough just to pull you out of feeling a bit glum. Let’s face it, we’re all far more fortunate than we think – we have the things that we need, and sometimes more. That’s more than a whole lot of people in the world can say.
2. Set yourself a target
Perhaps for the new year you could make a resolution. These are famous for not being kept, yes, but why not pick one that you actually can keep? Something productive, perhaps being more assertive, or more hardworking, or more confident. Pick something that you know you need, and want, to work on, because then you’ll actually work on it! Thus you will be able to fulfil your resolution for once, and you’ll feel good about it. Everyone feels good about fulfilling a promise to themselves.
3. Get out there and smile
Don’t let the wintry days get you down. Winter can be a great time to get out and meet friends, a great time to be active and appreciate some of the little things that you see around you. I suppose it’s the artist in me talking but wintry weather can be really beautiful. Sure the days are shorter and the nights are longer, leaving some of us feeling a bit lethargic, but seize the day while it’s there and do something fun! Don’t stay cooped up, but when you go out don’t forget to make sure and keep yourself warm.
I’ll stop rambling there, I think. I hope everyone does have a great Christmas, and I hope you all have a wonderful new year too. Onward to 2012! The new year will bring some great things; of that I’m sure. I’ll see you guys in about a week. Thanks for reading!
