With Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year, well on its way, we thought now might be the perfect time to share a few tips on how best to beat the January blues. From health and nutrition, to simple self-care ideas, try a few of these small yet significant rituals in order to feel a little happier this month and stay on top of your game...

Do Something

This may seem like an obvious piece of advice but often, our frustrations and negative emotions stem from a sense of feeling trapped or static. An untouched to-do list can fuel these kinds of feelings, so take charge and cross something off your list, however big or small. Whether it's booking a quick appointment for a check-up with your GP, making a lunch date with a friend you've not seen for a while, or tackling a professional project that's been hanging over you, you'll feel a sense of achievement and self-worth having scratched that itch.

Tune in

Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, take a moment to pay complete attention to something you usually take for granted. Perhaps brushing your teeth, walking from the station to your office, eating lunch, or getting ready for bed. Practicing this kind of mindfulness will help you tap into new perspectives on the things that you do each day. Doing this on a regular basis can help you to feel refreshed and conscious to make your actions more considered, keeping your mood lifted and your mind sharp.

Sip plenty

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and keep a glass by your bed at night too. Hydrating yourself is vital for a good mood and properly-functioning body and it's something we often forget about. If you're not a huge fan of water, try adding fresh fruit like lemon and grapefruit to it. This will help to alkalise your stomach which will make a difference to how your body feels throughout the day and help with keeping your digestive system healthy. If you don't like citrus, try adding a few slices of cooling cucumber to your H2O instead.

Meditate

This is easier said than done, but once you get into the habit, meditation becomes much, much easier. At some point during your day, try a mini-meditation and dedicate just one minute to practicing peacefulness and mindfulness. During this minute, try to relax and be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Meditation isn't about shutting down and switching off, it's about knowing yourself better and feeling at peace with both your own self and your surroundings.

Move

If you're down in the dumps, it's likely that working up a sweat will be last thing you'll feel like doing. But however tough it seems, it's so worth it. Whether you're a regular runner, gym-goer or prefer a gentle stretch at home, physical movement causes your brain to release endorphins which make you feel good. Tiring yourself out also results in a better night's sleep which will improve your mood and help you to feel happier the following day. Find a fitness video on Youtube, take a run down your street or head to a class to get yourself out of that slump.

Go green

Be brave, be open-minded and be dazzled by the delicious and unique offerings on the UK's meat-free menus. Go veggie, or vegan for a week, month, year and maybe beyond. As big believers in not spoiling the quality of fine tea with milk, and admirers of the wonderful creations whipped up by our foodie ambassadors and favourite bloggers, we’re backing Veganuary and plant-based eating this month. Try a greener diet on for size and find out just how good you can feel as a result.

Breathe

Yes, we know, very simple but worth bearing in mind. If you're feeling stressed, sad or fed up, beat the January blues by oxygenating your body. All you'll need to do is stand comfortably with your feet hip-width apart and take three deep breaths. Breathe slowly and deeply but naturally into your abdomen through your nose, and let the air fill out your stomach and chest. Slowly exhale through your nose until all the air from your chest and diaphragm has been released. Repeat this a few more times if you feel like it, focusing on your breath, then breathe normally and calmly.

Drink tea

For centuries, antioxidant-rich tea has been used to remedy all manner of ailments and aid a long and healthy life. As tea experts, we also know its power to lift the spirits and banish the blues. Tea that contains cinnamon or peppermint helps if you're craving sugary, fatty foods and boosts mood and motivation too. Give green teas a go for a hit of energy and polyphenols for a whole-body detox, and opt for soothing chamomile to calm your nerves and induce a more peaceful night's sleep. Black teas contain healthy flavinoids and a gentle dose of naturally-occurring caffeine, which helps the body to stay alert while also having a calming effect on the brain. Temperature makes all the difference too, a cup of something hot can really turn things around by instantly lifting your mood and making you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Indulge

There's absolutely no crime in taking care of yourself, so if this miserable month is getting you down, build yourself back up, starting with your body. Create a spa at home so that your skin, hair and nails feel as they should: healthy and nourished. Take a relaxing bath with fragrant salts and essential oils instead of a shower, light a few candles to create a calm atmosphere and moisturise your winter skin to soothe tired muscles. Encourage a healthy glow by exfoliating and dry brushing and wrap yourself up in soft snuggly towels to dry off.

Eat well

Feeling good is all about balance so whatever you do, don't spend January starving yourself on a fad diet. Stay nourished by eating mood-boosting foods that keep you fuller for longer and start a love affair with superfoods too. Depriving yourself can make you feel terrible so if you really feel like eating something, allow yourself and don't beat yourself up about it. Remember to balance your diet out with plenty of fruits and vegetables for your all-important vitamins C and D, which we're usually starved of in winter, and if you're not the biggest fan, blend them up in a smoothie or soup to enjoy whenever you're in need of a lift.