Dogs, dopamine dressing and microdosing nature: how to find January joy

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Damp weather, grey skies, days that don’t seem to be getting any longer and the return to normality after the new year motivation boost: it’s no wonder some of us feel a bit flat in January.

To lift our spirits, we asked you for your favourite pick-me-ups, and rounded up some from us at the Filter too. From umbrellas that give you a glow-up to microdosing nature, here are your tried-and-tested ways to beat the January blues.

Some of you tackle the gloomy weather by injecting colour. Alex Marsh says: “A bunch of yellow roses brings sunshine to the darkest of January’s days. They aren’t expensive and give a lift to everyone’s mood.” Or try daffodils, which are in season now. Similarly, Serena told us: “My mother always said buy a red or pink brolly, which will give a glow to your face in the rain.” Meanwhile, the Filter’s own Emily Goddard suggests dopamine dressing, even if only on a small scale. “I have several colourful pairs of socks that add a pop of joy to the dark outfits I often find myself defaulting to during winter,” she says.

Mindfulness and cosy candles

A frosty countryside road surrounded by icy landscapes, featuring a woman walking with their black labrador dog under a clear blue sky in Ripon, North Yorkshire, UK

Frances gives herself a boost by making the most of sunny spells. “I like to go out for walks on crisp winter days in the countryside. How lucky are we to have such beauty around us for microdosing mindfulness?”

Nicola finds spurts of productivity bring her calm. “I like to clear and wipe one work surface; maybe kitchen island or table (albeit shove some stuff in a drawer, in the bin and light a candle …) after a long day or start of the weekend. It makes me feel in control,” she says.

Here on the Filter, we can’t resist a self-care moment to lift our spirits. “My January treat is an extra-long hot shower before bed – it makes my evening feel much cosier,” says Ella Jinadu. “Method’s Wind Down body wash is my current favourite – it has a pleasingly sleepy scent.” Monica Horridge has a top tip for tackling early sunsets. “I light a scented candle at the start of the evening, to make the most of the darkness. This M&S x Kelly Hoppen candle is a new favourite,” she says. And, I personally don’t think you can beat a comforting cup of tea and some chocolate at the end of a long, cold day. See our guide to hibernating with intention for more January self-care ideas.

And finally, Jackie Johnson says her dog, Rosie, brings her joy through the winter. “She is a six-year-old wire-haired dachshund. She sits with me, sleeps with me and makes me smile every day. I can see why dogs are used as therapy,” she says.

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In case you missed it …

With more cold weather anticipated, our favourite winter essentials – from a heated duvet to a puffer vest – will help you stay warm, whether you’re determined to get outside or hunkering down on the sofa. Worried about staying stylish through the winter weather? Our fashion writer’s guide to what to wear in the cold has you covered.

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Scented burning candle with an open paper book on a wooden tray and a knitted textile on a chair

Have you started the year resolving to reduce your screen time? What behaviour, gizmo or mind trick has helped you spend less time online? And what screen-free hobbies and activities have helped you get off your phone? Let us know by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at thefilter@theguardian.com.

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