Anyone usually fine but currently flat and joyless?

[hoyless]

I don't suffer with medical issues such as anxiety or depression and usually feel fine in myself.

Throughout January I've just felt so flat. Can't get excited about anything and generally joyless, like I can't even be bothered to try to seek out some joy.

I know January is a shitty month and I've manage through them for years and years so I don't quite know why I feel like this now.

Can anyone relate to this? What things have you done to snap yourself out of it?

HRT

I'm only 38 so don't think it's that just yet.

I have found this January to be particularly long, dark and cold. I know it won’t actually be any different from every other January but I do think the constant bloody storms and all the bad news across the world isn’t helping.

I’m trying to keep up with exercising even though I don’t feel like it and I make a point of getting out for a long walk every day. I’m also re-reading some of my favourite books and have starting redecorating the kids rooms. Staying busy is always what I try to do when feeling a bit down.

Yea, this time of year is always hard. Cold and damp and dark. I know December is too but you have all the fun of Christmas to look forward to! I just keep going until the weather brightens and with it my mood.

I am a huge advocate for Vitamin D. One winter I was so low (as well as physically exhausted) that I eventually went to the doctor and got diagnosed with low Vit D. I was frustrated as I felt so rubbish that I couldn't believe something so mundane was the answer, and yet it was! A strong course of prescription supplements then just the regular Boots etc ones every day made a huge difference. Have you been taking it all winter? Never too late to start - it is recommended as a mandatory supplement from Oct-March by the NHS.

On a totally different note, joining the local library has given me an unexpected mood boost! Not only is it such a sweet and charming and interesting place, but a good book is one of the things that cheers me up most. Especially a free book!

And booking a holiday to look forward to, of course... But appreciate that is a "if budgets allow" situation.

How is your sleep?
Is your diet healthy?
Are you exercising?

Agree with others about Vit D but also magnesium and vit b12.

Are you seeing friends and engaging with others?
Are you getting out in the fresh air at least once a day?
Could you do something creative?
Or plant seeds for summer; sweet peas for example?
Could you join a choir, volunteer, or spend time with the very young or very old or with animals?

Yes, I agree OP.

Yes, I exercise - probably not enough, but some
Yes, I take vitamin D and other vitamins too
Yes, I do something creative- cross stitch and knitting
Yes, I get out in fresh air
Yes, I read daily.

Just isn’t working this year.

Sleep is ok diet and exercise is about right, I take Vitamin D and magnesium on and off.

I'm not sure there is anything to pinpoint this feeling

Me too. I do all the things that are supposed to make you feel 100%, but the crushing weight of the world events, NHS, poverty is just too much. I wish I could snap out of it.

Yes, had terrible winter blues this year. Mostly related to high stress job but worsened by the dreadful cold and dark.
Not an option for everyone but we are just finishing a week in the Canaries and I feel so much better for a week of warmth and relaxation.

i am going to start trying to lose some weight when I get back as I am the heaviest I have ever been and I’m sure that isn’t helping!