BLOG: Navigating the New Year

08 Jan BLOG: Navigating the New Year

As we pack away the Christmas decorations are return to our daily routines, January can often feel like a challenging month. The sparkle of the festive season fades, and the excitement of New Year’s resolutions is sometimes replaced with pressure to meet goals or a sense of overwhelm. For some, the third Monday in January – commonly referred to as ‘Blue Monday’ – can feel especially tough. 

We understand how difficult this time of year can be. But we also believe that January is an opportunity for new beginnings and finding small, meaningful ways to nurture your mental health. Here are some tips and resources to help you navigate the month with kindness to yourself: 

Reframe Blue Monday to Self-Care Monday: 

While Blue Monday is often labelled the “saddest day of the year”, it’s important to remember that this idea was created by marketing campaigns, not mental health experts. Instead of focusing on the negatives, why not reframe Monday 20^th January as a chance to practice self-care? 

Take a moment to check in with yourself: How are you feeling? What do you need today? 

Treat yourself to something that brings you joy – whether it’s cooking your favourite meal, curling up with a good book, or taking a mindful walk outdoors. 

Remember, self-care isn’t about grand gestures – it’s about the little things we do to care for ourselves. Every day is an opportunity to take small, positive steps for your wellbeing. 

Set gentle intentions, not harsh resolutions: 

January often brings pressure to set big resolutions, which can feel overwhelming or unrealistic. Instead, focus on setting gentle, flexible intentions. 

Replace “I must exercise every day” with “I’ll aim to move my body in ways I enjoy.”

Swap “I need to be more productive” for “I’ll celebrate small wins.” 

By shifting your mindset, you’ll reduce unnecessary pressure and create space to enjoy your progress. 

Oakleaf is here to support you in setting achievable goals. This month, we’re running a weekly ‘Healthy Resolutions: Reboot Your Health’ workshop for clients to guide you in setting achievable, health-focused goals for 2025. We are also hosting a one-off ‘Navigating the New Year’ session for clients on 10^th January, designed to help you reflect, reset, and approach the year ahead with clarity and confidence.  

“The team were all really understanding and supportive when I was going through a very difficult time…their kindness and dedication to helping people have really changed my life and I continue to use the skills I learned at Oakleaf to manage my mental health daily.” – Oakleaf client 

Get outside and move: 

A short walk in the fresh air can do wonders for your mental health. Studies show that exposure to daylight, being in nature, and spending time outdoors can reduce stress and improve mood. 

The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly for adults – but remember, even small movements count. Activities like a brisk 10 minute walk can boost energy, improve self-esteem, and help reduce stress.  

This January, consider downloading the BetterPoints app to join the ‘Thrive in 25 Challenge’ where every 10 minutes of walking, wheeling, running or cycling gived you a chance to win prizes. 

Local options, like Walking for Health groups and fitness trackers available through Surrey libraries, make it easy to get moving. Guildford Library even has a FitKit you can borrow as part of their Library of Things, which also supplies outdoor equipment ranging from cricket and rounders sets (for when the weather gets a little warmer) to hula hoops and walking poles. 

As the winter chill sets in, Oakleaf is running a variety of indoor wellbeing activities for clients to help you stay active. Join us for Chair Pilates, Yoga for All, Pilates, Meditation in Motion, or our sessions at ActivZone Gym. These activities are perfect for keeping both your body and your mind healthy during the colder months.  

“Oakleaf is helping to give me a routine and regular social contact. The exercise classes (fitness and especially Pilates) are invaluable and have made a big difference to my health. It really is a lifeline, and I am grateful for all the support from the charity, not only from the staff but also other clients. Thank you and please keep going.” – Oakleaf client 

Click here to see our full calendar of wellbeing activities in January. 

Connect with others: 

Feelings of isolation can be common in January, especially after the busyness of December. Reaching out to friends, family, or a support group – even for a quick chat – can make a big difference. 

Oakleaf is here to help you connect. Our weekly ‘Wellbeing Brunch Cafe’ and ‘Feel Good Friday’ sessions for clients offer a safe, welcoming space to relax and share experiences with others. 

“My confidence in myself and self-worth have really improved. I feel that there is somewhere I can go, be totally myself and feel supported…I can be me with all my issues and difficulties and still feel normal and not feel that I have to hide behind a mask.” – Oakleaf client 

If you’re interested in exploring the outdoors, volunteering in your local area can also provide a sense of purpose and community. Whether it’s tree planting, restoring heathland habitats, or supporting local parks and nature reserves, there are many ways to get involved.  

Oakleaf is always looking for volunteers, whether that be for helping out at fundraising events, doing personal fundraisers, running wellbeing activities, manning reception, supporting our IT and Gardening teams, and much more. If you’d like to find out more about our current volunteering opportunities, please email: info@oakleaf-enterprise.org 

Use helpful tools and apps: 

In addition to professional support, there are many free and affordable tools and apps to help manage mental health: 

• Stay Alive: A free suicide prevention resource with tools to create safety plans. 

• Headspace: Meditation exercises to improve focus and reduce stress. 

• Calm: Offers guided meditations, sleep stories, and relaxation exercises. 

• Shout: A 24/7 confidential text service – text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. 

• Happify: Games and activities to reduce negative thoughts and build resilience. 

Reach out for support: 

You don’t have to face January – or any time of year – alone.  

If you need support, please reach out to our friendly Oakleaf team at 01483 303649 or via email at info@oakleaf-enterprise.org (general enquiries), client-services@oakleaf-enterprise.org (client enquiries), or counselling@oakleaf-enterprise.org (counselling queries). 

You can also find lots of information via our website: www.oakleaf-enterprise.org 

In addition to Oakleaf’s services, there are many trusted UK-based helplines and resources available: 

• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) | samaritans.org 

• Mind: 0300 123 3393 | mind.org.uk 

• CALM: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight) | thecalmzone.net 

Oakleaf also hosts the Guildford Safe Haven, an out-of-hours crisis drop-in service, open every evening, 6pm-11pm, 365 days a year for people and their carers who are experiencing or close to a mental health crisis. 

Share your journey with us: 

We’d love to hear about your own experiences and tips for improving mental health and wellbeing this month. Whether it’s a wellness goal, a creative project, or an activity that’s lifted your spirits, share it with us! 

Tag us on on social media and inspire others to take steps towards their own wellbeing. 

“I don’t where I would be without Oakleaf. It has been my key support for my mental health and helped me build a life that I love for the first time I can ever remember. I couldn’t be more grateful.” – Oakleaf client