The blues, low moods, lack of motivation and a loss of energy are all associated with the much-maligned month of January. Colds and flus and other respiratory illness are also more common in these cold and dark days. But it does not have to be too miserable. Coping with the January blues and the threat of colds and flus is completely possible. Banishing blues and keeping flu and colds at bay can be your priority for the first month of the year. You can dispel those dark moods and keep powering through with positivity until the spring flowers peep and the mornings are bright again.

Getting through the January Blues 

There is no doubt that post-Christmas excitement, the cold and the dark days contribute to low feelings. It is completely natural to feel a bit of a slump in January. However, there is much you can do to counteract the mental slump. Acts of self-care and kindness and generally being good to ourselves can help in overcoming the impact of the low moods.  Eat well and hearty. Snuggle up with a good book or film.  Allow yourself to rest more and keep company with positive friends and relatives doing things that uplift you. Wrap up well and walk in nature making the best of the daylight that is available. Natural light increases serotonin, which increases mood levels. A good sleep routine will also help, as the shorter days can make getting out of the bed a bit of a chore. An attitude of gratitude for small things in our lives will give a sense of appreciation for the good things we have in our lives. Remember that this mood and indeed, this month, is temporary and all things pass. Do seek help if you think you may be feeling more than short term fatigue, lethargy, or low mood. Seasonal Affected Disorder and feelings of ongoing depression should not be ignored, and help is available in both over the counter supplements and medication and from your GP. If you think that your mental health has dipped and you are struggling with everyday tasks and interactions, then reach out for help.

Colds

As if January was not a joy already, it is also the time of increased colds, flus, and respiratory illnesses. There is no cure for the common cold. But we can do a lot to make ourselves feel better and to relieve the worst of the effects. Colds are caused by viruses and although the symptoms of a cold can be described as mild, it can be most unpleasant. If the cold symptoms are long term and affects the respiratory system, it can be very nasty indeed. At Soilse pharmacy, we stock a wide variety of medicines to bring ease and relief for the symptoms of a cold such as the annoying runny noses, tickly or barking coughs and sore throats. Pain and aches and fevers are more usually associated with flue of COVID-19, but there are many viruses ‘doing the rounds ‘and symptoms can be broad and unspecific. Children are likely to have a temperature with a common cold, while adults rarely present with high temperatures. Keeping warm, drinking lots, resting, and eating good food will assist in recovery and make you feel a bit better through the sniffles.  Your pharmacist will be able to prescribe the most suitable over the counter medication to get your through the miseries of a January cold. Call us today for friendly, sympathetic, and professional assistance.

The Flu

This year, there has been a serious increase in the cases of influenza, confirmed by hospital laboratories, and an increase in those hospitalised for this nasty sickness. The flu can be a very serious illness. It is worth noting that flu and Covid-19 symptoms overlap and can be difficult to distinguish without testing. Flu is caused by the influenza virus. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Both can give you a fever, cough, headaches, and body aches.  Both are extremely unpleasant.  If you think that you, or a family member may have the flu, it is important to seek medical advice.  The flu is generally much worse to endure than a common cold. Symptoms of flu include a sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough. Very high temperatures are one of the main indicators that influenza might be the cause of you feeling unwell.  It can make you feel very ill for a few days or for weeks and can result in serious health problems such as pneumonia. The flu vaccination is available at Soilse Pharmacy annually and is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you.

 January is just a month

January is just a month. It has no magical powers over you, and it passes.  While some say it is a month of Mondays, we feel it can be a pleasant time too.  Let’s not give into the blues and the woes of January. Try to start every day with a positive thought that sets you up for the best possible start.  Eat well, great plenty of sleep and surround yourself with as many positives as you can.  Spring is not far away!