Kickstart your year with a positive challenge!
Join RED January
To rise every day (RED) means to begin each day with the intention of moving in a way that works for you and makes you feel good.
RED January is a community initiative that encourages people to move every day in January to boost their mental and physical health. The idea is to start each day with the intention of moving in a way that works for you and makes you feel good. This could be anything from a short walk to a longer workout.
RED January is a great way to combat the winter blues and set a positive tone for the year.
It’s also a great way to connect with others and be part of a supportive community. *
Rise Every Day: A New Approach to January
January is a month of mixed emotions. While it’s a time for new beginnings and fresh starts, it can also be a challenging period. The cold weather, shorter days, and post-holiday blues can take a toll on our mental and physical health.
Traditional New Year’s resolutions often fall short. The pressure to make drastic changes can be overwhelming, leading to disappointment and demotivation.
RED January offers a different approach. Instead of setting lofty, unrealistic goals, it encourages individuals to set achievable daily movement targets. This could be anything from a short walk to a full workout. The key is consistency and finding what works for you.
Why RED?
- Community: RED fosters a supportive community where people can connect, share experiences, and motivate one another.
- Mental Health: Regular physical activity is proven to improve mental health, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Sustainable Habits: By setting achievable goals, RED helps people develop sustainable healthy habits that can last beyond January.
How to Get Involved:
- Set a Daily Goal: Choose a movement activity that you enjoy and can stick to.
- Join the Community: Connect with other RED participants on social media and share your progress.
- Support Others: Encourage friends and family to join the movement and offer support.
Remember, every step counts. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, RED January is for everyone. By rising every day and moving, you’re taking a step towards a healthier, happier you. *
Red Janaury's Impact
RED January is backed by a strong foundation of scientific research and expert support. The initiative leverages the well-established connection between regular physical activity and improved mental and physical well-being. By encouraging daily movement, RED January aims to help individuals boost their focus, motivation, sleep quality, self-esteem, and overall sense of well-being.
The support from leading academics, politicians, and the University of Oxford underscores the credibility and impact of RED January. It demonstrates the commitment to promoting positive mental health and physical fitness through accessible and sustainable means. *
Other ways to Brighten up your winter
There are plenty of ways to boost your mood and stay positive. Here are a few ideas:
- Get moving. Exercise is a great way to improve your mood and energy levels. Even a short walk can make a difference.
- Connect with others. Spend time with friends and family, or volunteer your time to help others.
- Set realistic goals. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to achieve everything at once.
- Practice self-care. Take some time for yourself to relax and recharge.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Eat healthy foods. Eating nutritious foods can help improve your mood and energy levels.
- Limit your screen time. Spending too much time on screens can be harmful to your mental health.
- Get outside. Spend some time in nature, even if it’s just for a short walk.
- Listen to music. Music can be a great way to boost your mood.
- Do something you enjoy. Make time for activities that you find fun and relaxing.
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Don't forget you are not alone
Remember, it’s okay to feel down sometimes. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Find someone to talk to, a relative, a work colleague, or team up with a friend to support each other. We’re all in this together, and there are people out there who want to help you.
If you feel you need more support visit your GP or contact the Samaritans who will be able to help.