Finding Energy and Motivation in the January Blues
I don’t think I’m the only one struggling to keep up my motivation and energy in January. The holidays are over, the twinkling Christmas lights have been taken down, and germs and viruses seem to be everywhere. That’s just in my immediate surroundings! On a bigger scale, the world doesn’t look all that bright either😱. Instead of sliding deeper into that hole, we need to be there and support each other (more than ever)!
A recent trend in Europe is shifting back to working in the office rather than at home. As we spend more time there, how can we create an environment that’s contagiously energizing? One where people actually want to be at work and come home not feeling completely drained (especially when battling the usual “January blues”)?
It all begins with how we generate and share our own energy. Here are a few thoughts that came to me while I was out (cross-country skiing🤩):
1. Generate Energy
What makes your engine spark? Do more of that! You cannot pour from an empty cup. We have a responsibility to ourself and to others, to keep our own cup filled. From personal hobbies to professional growth, make sure you’re topping up your own energy reserves.
- Professional Pick-Me-Ups: Attend an industry conference or a webinar focused on emerging trends or a topic that interests you. These kinds of events can reignite your professional curiosity and passion.
- Personal Joy: Remember simple pleasures. Is it a long walk in the forest, reading in your cozy corner, or picking up a new hobby, you’ve always been curious about? Give yourself permission to take that time.
2. Preserve Your Energy
Delegate and set boundaries. Delegation can preserve your energy while filling someone else’s cup! Someone once told me it’s actually selfish not to allow others to help. She asked me how I feel when I’m able to help someone, and I realized it’s a wonderful feeling. By not asking for help, we actually deprive others of that positive experience 😕..
- Practical Tip: If you’re juggling too many tasks at work or at home, identify one or two responsibilities that you can comfortably pass on to someone else who is willing (and maybe even excited!) to lend a hand.
3. Share Energy
If you manage to do steps 1 and 2, it should be easier to share energy with your teams, family, and friends.
- Think about how you Communicate: Listen actively and try to be generous in your words and actions.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and see people. Highlight the little successes, whether it’s a colleague finishing a tough project, a friend completing a workout challenge, or a kid learning a new skill. Small wins add up to big energy🎉,
💊💊 My January Survival Kit
Here are some concrete things I did in January to keep my spirits up:
- Went to the library and discovered a great book:
I found Ett jävla solsken, a biography about Ester Blenda Nordström (1891–1948), a groundbreaking Swedish journalist and author. Wow! What a lady. She was a fearless pioneer, an “undercover journalist” before the term even existed.. I read about all her adventures with fascination; she spent time living with the Sami people in Lapland, teaching in a nomad school, discovered Siberia, America and so much more.
What struck me was that even 100 years ago, she described clearly the feeling of “overload” of impressions and commitments. She regularly escaped into nature, wondering if that might be all she really needed.
She struggled then, imagine how she might feel in today’s crazy environment 🤪! Still, afte rreading the book, I felt so ready for new adventures!
- Ventured into the mountains for my own “adventure”:
Okay, so I’ve been there many times before, but each trip still brings reflection and time for myself. That’s when I feel energy flowing in my veins. It’s not always about going somewhere exotic, it’s about allowing yourself the mental space to reflect and recharge. - Fed my professional curiosity:
Besides listening to many podcasts about AI, I registered for a short university course on the topic. I love to learn new things! It’s fascinating to learn how computer science is the backbone of it all, and that we’ve actually had AI in various forms for quite some time now.
A Few Extra Tips for Beating the January Blues
- Set a 2025 Vision Board: Since it’s the start of the year, dream a little! Gather images and/or words that inspire you for the upcoming months. It can be as small as a single notebook page or as big as a whole wall, whatever works for you!
- Make the spinach smoothy a regular companion: Spinach, banana, avocado, ginger, nutmet, curcum, peper and some citrus in the mixer. A great start for the day.
- Connect with Friends: Plan a weekly coffee date or phone call with a friend. Having something to look forward to (and knowing someone cares) keeps you going.
Your Q1 2025 Checklist
- This is what I will do to fill my cup:
- Here is how I’ll make sure it doesn’t pour empty:
- This is what I will do to share some energy and love:
Take a moment and write these down. Give yourself permission to refuel, protect, and overflow with energy. This mindset shift can make the rest of 2025 feel a whole lot brighter, for you and everyone around you.
Cheers to more Vivante moments!
