25 Ways to Beat the January Blues at University

As the new year brings the start of second term, it also brings a familiar (but unwanted) friend — the January blues. With bad weather, seasonal affective disorder at its peak and your student loan looking worse for wear, it can be hard to stay positive. However, there are many ways to deal with the January blues as a student and start the new year a little brighter. 

• Walk to campus

If you’re within walking distance (be honest!) of your campus, getting your steps in and your blood flowing will make you feel less groggy by the time you show up to class.

• Get outside between lectures

With back-to-back lectures, it’s easy to just sit and scroll between sessions. However, getting outside for natural light, even just for five minutes, is an instant mood booster.

• Do a quick 10-minute budget check-in

Seeing what money you’ve got left after Christmas — and where it’s going — can help you feel in control and reduce any financial anxieties from festive overspending. 

• Keep moving

As annoying as it is, exercise really does help with your mood! By heading to the gym, stretching in your bedroom, or just getting your steps in, you will instantly feel better.

• Limit doom-scrolling

The winter blues can quickly seem a whole lot worse when you start doom-scrolling, too. Put a timer on those apps where time just seems to melt away, and focus on the here and now.

• Put on an upbeat study playlist

There’s no denying that sad songs make for great background music. However, by switching to a more upbeat playlist, you’ll stay motivated and likely a little bit happier while you work.

• Do two minutes of deep breathing every day

Ground yourself (and your mood) with two minutes of deep breathing or meditation every day. Doing this first thing in the morning or before bed will help settle any anxieties. 

• Plan something for after class

January blues and exam season are a lethal combo. Planning to do something after class — coffee, movie night or dinner — will make a jam-packed day feel a little more manageable.

• Drink water before your first lecture

As tempting as rolling out of bed and straight into class seems, sipping a big drink of water before you start using your brain will help properly wake it up!

• Make a list of student discounts you’re not using

One of the best financial tips is to make a note of student discounts you’re not taking advantage of. Start using these for the rest of January and watch the pennies pile up.

• Sign up for university counselling

Student mental health often takes a nosedive in winter. This is your sign to visit your university counsellor to share what’s on your mind — even if it’s not winter blues related.

• Tidy your desk

It’s amazing how a clean study space can instantly lift your mood. While you’re at it, why not give your room a pre-spring clean, too?

• Eat a proper lunch

It can be easy to just grab a meal deal or maybe rustle up your fifth portion of pesto pasta that week. However, a proper nourishing lunch will make you feel a whole lot better.

• Sell your unwanted clothes

Get an instant mood lift from being an eco warrior and getting a quick cash boost by selling any unwanted items on Vinted or eBay.

• Do something creative

Whether it’s journaling, knitting, or just making your notes look prettier, getting creative is a sure-fire way to blow off the cobwebs and combat those winter blues.

• Take a warm shower

There’s nothing like a piping hot shower to help you relax. By jumping in before bed or after lectures, you’ll quickly feel a lot more zen — just watch the water meter!

• Spend time with furry friends

An easy serotonin boost can be found in our favourite four-legged friends. If you don’t know anyone with a pooch, sign up to Borrow My Doggy or search for animal therapy on campus.

• Ditch the caffeine

As much as coffee might be keeping you awake during the short days, swapping caffeine for a herbal tea, chai latte, or hot chocolate will prevent you from slumping mid-afternoon.

• Invest in a daylight lamp

If winter darkness affects your mood or focus, a daylight lamp can be an easy win. After all, the best way to beat the post-holiday blues is pretending you’re sunbathing in the Caribbean!

• Protect your energy

With energy levels low in January, make sure to protect yours by saying no to unnecessary commitments and surrounding yourself with people who only make you feel good.

• Introduce a new scent

Brighten your space by bringing in a new scent, whether that’s through essential oils, a diffuser or a simple room spray.

• Start journalling

Writing down why you think you’re experiencing January blues can often help address the problem. If you don’t already journal, this is a great practice to take into the new year.

• Go to bed early

Sleep deprivation causes more trouble than we realise. By sticking to a proper sleep schedule (that means no phones in bed!), you can help keep blue moods at bay.

• Study somewhere new 

Getting and staying motivated after the holiday break is its own kettle of (difficult) fish. Studying somewhere new, like a cafe or library, can give you a much-needed mental refresh.

• Plan your week on Monday

Sitting down at the start of the week to figure out what you’ve got going on can prevent you from getting overwhelmed. After all, studying and socialising is a jam-packed schedule!