Phone: 01825 769000 | Email: info@springharvest.org
Phone: 01825 769000 | Email: info@springharvest.org
Are you finding it hard to shake off the post-holiday slump? Do the dark, chilly days of January make you feel low and unmotivated? You’re not alone. January can be a tough month, but the Bible offers both spiritual comfort and practical advice. Here are five ways to combat the January blues, complete with tips on how to put them into practice, using verses from The Message translation for a fresh perspective.
"Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life."
Gratitude is a powerful way to lift your spirits and ward off anxiety. Paul’s words remind us that a thankful heart invites God’s peace, which can calm even the most restless mind.
Practical Tip: Start a daily gratitude journal. Each morning or evening, write down three things you’re thankful for. Reflect on these blessings and thank God for them. This simple practice can help shift your focus and bring moments of joy even on tough days.
"Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big day approaching."
Being isolated can make the winter blues worse. The Bible highlights the importance of community and encourages us to support one another. Having people around you for encouragement and shared joy is vital.
Practical Tip: Make a habit of checking in with friends or family each week, whether it’s meeting for a coffee, having a chat over the phone, or joining a video call. Try to join a church group or Bible study regularly to build relationships and get support from others.
"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."
Paul’s advice shows how powerful our thoughts can be. Focusing on what is good and uplifting can change your mindset and help banish negativity.
Practical Tip: Create a “positivity board” at home or at your desk. Fill it with uplifting Bible verses, inspirational quotes, and photos that make you happy. This visual reminder will help guide your thoughts to what is good and hopeful throughout the day.
"The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."
One of the best ways to lift your spirits is to do something kind for someone else. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, bring joy not just to others but to you as well.
Practical Tip: Make a list of simple acts of kindness you can do this month, such as writing a kind note, helping a neighbour with groceries, or baking a treat for a friend. Aim to complete one act of kindness each week or even daily if you can. This will boost your mood and remind you of the joy in giving.
"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind."
January can feel draining, leaving you tired and unmotivated. Isaiah’s words remind us that hope in God provides strength and renewal, helping us press on even when we feel weary.
Practical Tip: Set aside 10-15 minutes each day for quiet time. Use this time to read passages that speak of God’s promises, like Psalm 23 or Isaiah 41:10. Pair this with some deep breathing or quiet meditation on these verses to let their meaning sink in and renew your sense of hope.
Beating the January blues is not just about getting through the month but embracing it with hope, community, and a positive outlook rooted in faith. By nurturing gratitude, staying connected, focusing on positive thoughts, doing acts of kindness, and drawing strength from God’s promises, you can turn January into a month of peace and growth.
If you know someone who is struggling, why not share this with them? A little encouragement can go a long way in making someone’s day brighter.
