The festivities are over and 2008 looms ahead like unchartered waters... Here, Jo Caruana discovers the tricks and tips that could make it your happiest and healthiest year yet.After the wrapping paper's been chucked out, the mulled wine's cooled down and the party dress has been put away, the January blues almost inevitably set in. After all, you've been on a high for weeks on end, cooking, cleaning, wrapping (unwrapping), shopping, meeting, greeting and bobbing along merrily awash in Christmas spirit, and now suddenly down come the fairy lights and all looks a little bleak.
It seems like your social calendar has taken a nosedive into obscurity. Your "to-do" list has gone from including some of the most exciting things you'll do all year to simply reminding you to feed the hamster and water the geraniums growing on your verandah. Combine this, of course, with the eventuality that the most miserable weather usually occurs this time of year and the fact that we're all perched back at work with not so much as a public holiday to look forward to and it's no wonder many of us face an emotional and physical let-down during the first month of the year.
But while the temptation may be to grab a blanket and hibernate miserably until the sun rears her pretty head sometime around March, the important thing is to throw yourself into 2008 determined to make it your best year yet.
I know it sounds easier said than done, but good old New Year's Resolutions are a good way forward at this time.
Healthy living
The whole world is on a health kick, so why shouldn't you be too? We're hardly part of a society that can honestly look a doughnut in the eye and not know that it's bad for us, and there's no better time than the present to do something about those love handles or that beer-belly.
The festivities of Christmas blatantly encourage indulgent behaviour and that's all well and good in the context of the time of year. But a health kick in January is the perfect time to throw yourself on the right track for the next few months at least - after all your body may have morphed into something you're far from thrilled with after all the partying and nothing improves the mood like fitting into an old dress or moving one belt notch closer to the buckle.
So, in light of the above, let the following mood-boosting tips guide your new year to a new you:
• Oily fish is something nutritionists have been going on and on about for ages. Salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna and other oily fish contain Omega 3, guaranteed to give your mood a boost. The lack of this oil is strongly linked to depression but our modern diet contains far less Omega 3 than the diets of our grandparents. Research shows that Omega 3 helps beat anger, tiredness, aggression, anxiety and improves general well-being. If you don't like fish then try the capsules or flaxseed oil, available from health shops.
• Boost your mood with plenty of cabbage, broccoli and sprouts. These contain folate and studies show a link between a lack of folate and depression. If you don't like your greens, folate can be found in orange juice, oranges, beans, peas and peanuts. It's also a good idea to try to increase your folate intake if you're hoping to get pregnant as it is needed to prevent spina bifida in babies.
• Low moods are also thought to arise from a dip in a brain chemical called serotonin. The protein found in chicken is converted by the body to serotonin. This protein can also be found in turkey but if you are sick of that after the festive season try other sources such as avocados, cottage cheese and bananas.
• We're lucky here in the Mediterranean that getting our daily dose of sunshine (which in turn gives us an injection of good old Vitamin D) is not as tough this time of year as if you lived, say, in the green hills of Scotland. That said we need to make the most of sunshine and fresh air in order to benefit from it, so do your best to find time for some outdoor activity at least three times a week. Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D - important for bone health and for making us feel happy. It needs calcium for it to be used effectively so don't let your calcium intake drop.
• While exercise may be considered the bane of your existence there really is no way around it: you have to get moving. As little as 30 minutes a day could be enough to ward off heart disease, cancer and diabetes so what are you waiting for? Meanwhile, one of the main advantages of using exercise to boost your mood is that the effects are instant.
Create a projectNow is the perfect time to pick an activity that will hold your interest and provide you with a sense of enthusiasm for the coming year. Even if you don't like the suggestions below I'm sure you'll get the gist...
• Join a club if you're looking for something new. There are so many out there, from abseiling to knitting groups, so it's just a question of finding the one that suits what you're after. If you're finding the prospect a little daunting drag a friend along for support; it'll strengthen your bond and improve your social life in one easy step.
• Support a charity. There's nothing more rewarding than dedicating your time to a good cause so find one that's close to your heart and get involved. While these organisations need money to keep them ticking over they'll be just as thrilled with some of your time, so dedicating a mere couple of hours a week will be great news for them and you.
• Renovating a part of your house is great fun, a challenge and a good investment. Choose a room or area that you may have neglected for a while and spend your time and energy creating something you will be proud to show off. If money is an issue take it slowly and the result will be even more rewarding. Save some dosh by putting your own elbow grease into the project: Grab a paint brush and get some colour on the walls or dig out the sewing machine to make some swanky new curtains.
Make time for youIf Number One isn't happy then you can't be expected to keep those around you in good spirits either; so this year make it a priority to put yourself first where possible.
• Relaxation is the key this time of year, as after the unavoidable rush that December brought your body will need some you-time. But rather than feeling down in the dumps use empty spaces in your diary for some relaxation. Use any spare time for walks in the fresh air or try reading a good book in a quiet room surrounded by candles - it may sound naff but it's actually extremely invigorating. Have long baths and just pamper yourself. If you're feeling lonely, why not get in touch with someone you've not seen for a while?
• It's a pretty fair assumption that through the festive season sleep was not high on your list of priorities, which in turn means that your body is probably lacking in it. If you've been burning the candle at both ends so to speak, it's hardly surprising that your body may be screaming out for a rest so give in and listen to it. Try to get back into a regular sleeping pattern and aim for seven to eight hours each night. Keep your bedtime and waking time consistent so your sleeping patterns normalise and you have more energy. At the same time, try not to oversleep: 12-hour marathons at the weekends can just make you more tired.
• Treat yourself. At the end of the day if you're not happy then you can't do the things you need to, such as providing for your family or being focused at work. It's important not to overindulge or blow your money unjustifiably (because that would simply lead to more complications later on) but don't be afraid to treat yourself. A treat can be something as simple as a bar of chocolate if you're watching your weight, or a massage if you're feeling run down.
Look to the futureThere's no point in worrying about the past and yesteryear, the future is the only direction you're headed in so you might as well make the best of it.
• Focusing on a certain aspect of your life will help you to accomplish what you want for it. Whether you're hoping for a promotion or to start a family this year, throwing yourself head first into the practicalities of making it happen will encourage you to stay focused and achieve what you're looking for. Remember to stop and appreciate anything you achieve along the way too; taking stock of progressing made will make sure you don't lose perspective.
• Always have something to look forward to. It may be something small like a meal with a group of friends, or something bigger like an anticipated trip to Gozo or a holiday abroad, but the important thing is to plan ahead and always have something exciting just out of reach. If you're desperate for a holiday then plan ahead for the best deals.
• Keep your head in the money game and don't allow your finances to swing off the rails. If you can't avoid buying on credit then at least stay on top of credit card bills and loan repayments to ensure there aren't any nasty shocks along the way. Money-related issues (unsurprisingly) cause some of the most stress so being on top of things in this department means you're well on your way to a good year.