The New Year should be for new beginnings and positivity for the year ahead. However, with the Christmas decorations put away until next year and gatherings with friends and family becoming a more rare occurrence, many of us struggle with the January blues.
From brand new bedding to increasing the amount of natural light, there are many ways you can transform your bedroom into a comforting and relaxing haven that's perfect to help you combat those January blues.
In this blog post, the team at DUSK have come together to give you our 10 top tips to beat those January blues.
Focus on the Bed
From duvets to duvet covers, mattress toppers and pillows, each item of your bedding can impact your quality of sleep. That's why we recommend choosing premium bedding to help you drift off, whether during the cold winter or warm summer months.
Begin by making sure your bed is of the utmost comfort with a plush mattress topper that will hug your body as you sleep, then top it with a high quality cotton sheet. Next is the duvet. You need a duvet that will keep you warm but provide maximum breathability. This is why we love feather and down duvets, as these natural materials act as great insulators but also allow your skin to breathe.
Finally, choosing a premium cotton duvet cover will also aid your perfect night of rest. After all, what better way is there to beat those January blues than by wrapping yourself in a luxury 800 thread count bed linen collection?
Create a Calm Environment
After the Christmas rush we all expect a little more clutter in our homes. However, in order to create a calm and serene environment, a tidy space is crucial, as the saying goes, tidy house, tidy mind!
Whether in the living room or the bedroom, having a good clear out can not only be cathartic, but also helps to create a more relaxing and peaceful space. Is your wardrobe in need of a good sort or are your shelves looking a little overcrowded? Streamline or update your storage to keep your home neat and tidy.
Another great way to create a calming environment is to refresh your bedding. Introduce hotel luxury into your own bedroom by choosing a light colour, neutral or white bedding will deliver a clean, calm and sophisticated look that is sure to lighten your mood.
Build a Routine
With late night family gatherings and too much prosecco behind us, building a good routine is a great way to try to remove as much chaos from your life as possible. This is also a great way to help you build healthy habits and make you feel in control.
Try to sleep and wake up at the same time everyday we may bend the rules slightly at the weekend and allow enough time to make your bed, have a healthy breakfast and a moment of calm before starting your day. No one wants to feel the stress that's caused by rushing around at the last minute trying to find your house keys!
Your new routine could include getting out tomorrow's outfit before going to sleep or stretching when you get out of bed. Whether you do some yoga or follow a workout video on YouTube, those early morning endorphins will make you feel healthier and happier all day!
Practice Mindfulness
The post-Christmas blues can creep up on you at the start of the New Year, which is why it is so important to begin practicing mindfulness on a regular basis. Mindfulness can help with your sleep as well as increase your ability to regulate your emotions, meaning you are less likely to feel stressed. It has also been shown to help with feelings of anxiety and depression, making it the perfect tool to help you prevent and combat those January blues.
Mindfulness is easy to start as you don't need to purchase anything to begin. Just find a quiet relaxing spot where you can think, breathe and pay attention to your thoughts. Your bedroom is often the best place to practice mindfulness, with your cosy bed being the perfect spot to unwind.
Image Source : https://www.mindful.org/how-to-practice-mindfulness/
Have a Digital Detox
Your mind can be easily overstimulated by digital devices such as phones, laptops, tablets and even watches that every time you get a notification. This January, consider making your bedroom a digital free zone, where you can escape to and relax without having to worry about being disturbed.
If you rely on your phone as an alarm clock, turn off your push notifications at least an hour before you go to sleep to remove the temptation to constantly check your phone. Instead of scrolling, try picking up a book before you go to bed. This will also help you sleep better as the blue light that our digital devices give off can trick your brain into thinking it's still daytime.
Get Cosy with Throws & Cushions
With the mornings still frosty, what better time to throw down extra cushions and blankets onto your bed? Not only will your bedroom feel more inviting, it will also give your retreat an affordable revamp for 2021 without having to completely redecorate.
For a neutral tone that will look fresh and sophisticated season after season, choose natural coloured throws and cushions. Alternatively, pastel pink is the perfect colour to introduce a little colour into your bedroom and is the ideal shade for going into Spring. This is perfect for January when we are looking forward to and planning the year ahead.
Let There Be Light
One of the biggest things to combat when it comes to January blues can be the cold, dark and often miserable weather. Unfortunately, this is not something that we can control. However, it is a great option to let as much natural light into your bedroom as you possibly can during daylight hours.
Integrating reflective materials into your bedroom, such as mirrors or metallic pieces of furniture, will help bounce natural light around giving an overall more bright and airy feel. Also remember to consider your window dressings and open your curtains each morning to let that daylight in!
Introduce New Life
Start the New Year off with some new life by welcoming plants into your bedroom. There are many ways you can change up your design with plants, from filling an empty corner of your bedroom with a floor plant to choosing something smaller for an empty spot on your shelf. Alternatively, choose a macrame hanging plant for a unique boho look.
Houseplants can bring more than just a splash of colour to your bedroom, as they also have many benefits such as purifying the air. Lavender, Chinese Evergreen and a Snake Plant are just a few of the many plants that can make your air cleaner and help to boost your mood.
Have Fun with Art
Wall art is a great way to bring energy and character to your bedroom. Whether it's your favourite quotes in a print or an abstract piece that will draw your attention, art is an easy way to create a design feature that will enhance the overall feel of your bedroom. Whether you choose an uplifting quote or go for a bold print, art work is a great way to help you beat those January blues.
For a symmetrical design, choose artwork that is the same size and stack them in rows. Alternatively, for something a little more informal, go for a range of prints in different sizes to create a gallery wall effect.
How will you be changing up your bedroom in the New Year? We'd love to hear how you combat the January blues! Let us know on Facebook or Instagram. And for more top tips, check out our advice on the DUSK blog.