BRISK PARK WALKS, LONG BUBBLE BATHS, NETFLIX MARATHONS, COSY SOCKS, HOT BUTTERED CRUMPETS AND PLANNING AN EXCITING TRIP – NEW RESEARCH REVEALS TOP WAYS TO BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES, ACCORDING TO BRITS

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  At the beginning of this year, I was hit with the dreaded January blues. And when I say "hit," I mean it felt like a freight train of gloom!

  
  

  Seriously, those blues stuck around longer than my New Year’s resolutions, which, let’s be honest, barely made it to the end of January. The thought of being 49 floored me, and now, with the big 5-0 looming this January, I’m basically in full-on panic mode. How did I get here?

  
  

  I know after everything I've been through I should be celebrating the miracle of life and all that, but 50?! I mean, really? Can someone explain how I went from sneaking in to nightclubs underage to the “where did I put my glasses?” person in a matter of decades?

  
  

  We’re constantly told that January is all about fresh starts and new beginnings, but I can’t be the only one who dreads the January blues, right? Well, it turns out a nationwide survey revealed that a whopping nine in ten Brits are not buying into the idea that January is a total downer.

  
  

  In fact, three-quarters (77 percent) have a whole load of tricks up their sleeves to shake off those post-Christmas blues.

  
  

  According to the data, here’s what we Brits do to lift our spirits:

  
  

  • Get outside in the fresh air (52%) - because who doesn’t love a brisk walk to remind you how unfit you are and that it’s freezing outside?

• Watch your favourite film (35%) - nothing like a good rom-com or scary movie to make you forget your existential crisis!

• Long hot baths with bubbles (30%) - because sometimes you just need to soak away your worries... and the smell of last night’s takeaway.

• Sunday roasts with all the trimmings (25%) - because carbs are a hug for your insides!

• Hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows (20%) - the only acceptable way to consume dairy in January.

And let’s not forget:

• Indulging in a Netflix marathon (19%) - because who needs productivity when you have a full season of your favourite show to binge?

• Slathering butter on hot crumpets (16%) - a culinary masterpiece that should be celebrated more often.

• Re-reading your favourite book (15%) - it’s like visiting an old friend, who doesn’t judge you for your life choices.

• Inviting friends over for dinner (15%) - because misery loves company, and let’s face it, you need someone to share that pizza with.

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And who could forget the joy of hump day cocktails with friends (5%)? Because if you can’t laugh about your impending doom, what’s the point? Ice skating!! (4%) also made the list, because nothing says “I’m having a midlife crisis” quite like wobbling around on thin ice.

According to the study by Club Med, 61 percent of us believe that small pleasurable moments are the secret to beating those winter blues. And if you’re like me and dreaming of a winter getaway, you’re in good company! One in four (25 percent) Brits are all about treating themselves to a winter break (yes, please!).

With 82 percent saying that winter is the perfect time for a holiday, it’s no wonder that 18 percent are planning to book a winter getaway in January. I mean, who wouldn’t want to escape the dreary weather for a little sun and fun?

As for those who love skiing and snowboarding, last-minute bookings for January and February are up by 24 percent. Apparently, dodging trees while trying to maintain your dignity is a great way to beat the winter blues!

Nicolas Bresch, Managing Director, UK, Ireland & Nordics at Club Med, commented, “The research shows that for Brits, January is the perfect time to think about a holiday, and we couldn’t agree more. Last year, we saw a 13 percent increase in bookings made during January, and with the festivities now behind us, we expect that it might once again be a popular time for families to boost their moods by looking ahead to trips for the coming year.”

So, if you’re feeling like the winter blues have you in a chokehold, remember you’re not alone. Two-thirds (61 percent) of Brits have suffered from winter blues before, and half (53 percent) admit they’re struggling more now than ever. But hey, at least we have each other and a good cup of coffee, right?

For those looking to book a holiday this January, the Club Med New Year sale is live until 16th January 2025, with up to 15 percent off bookings at clubmed.co.uk[1].

BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE WAYS TO BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES ARE:

1. Getting outside in the fresh air – 52%

2. Spending time with family – 52%

3. Watching your favourite film – 35%

4. Long hot baths with bubbles – 30%

5. Good coffee – 28%

6. Having a change of scenery – 28%

7. Cooking a Sunday roast with all the trimmings – 25%

8. Booking a holiday – 25%

9. Wearing cosy socks – 24%

10. Ordering your favourite takeaway – 21%

11. Snuggling under a blanket – 21%

12. Hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows – 20%

13. Getting into bed with clean sheets – 20%

14. Cuddling with your pet – 19%

15. Indulging in a Netflix marathon – 19%

16. A steaming hot cup of tea – 19%

17. Going on a winter sun break – 18%

18. A brisk walk around the park – 17%

19. Hot buttered crumpets – 16%

20. Dog walks on the beach – 15%

21. Re-reading your favourite book – 15%

22. Inviting friends over for dinner – 15%

23. Treating yourself to a scented candle – 14%

24. Hitting the gym – 14%

25. Sorting out cupboards and wardrobes – 12%

    
    

    I'd love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and share how you beat the January blues.

    
    

    Love Tx

    
    

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