6 min read

Beating the January Blues: Tips for Thriving with an Autoimmune Disease

January can be tough for anyone, but when you live with an autoimmune disease, the post-holiday slump, grey skies, and biting cold can feel even more challenging.
Beating the January Blues: Tips for Thriving with an Autoimmune Disease
Three people walking in the woods

January can be tough for anyone, but when you live with an autoimmune disease, the post-holiday slump, grey skies, and biting cold can feel even more challenging. Short days and limited sunlight often leave us feeling sluggish and low, which can exacerbate symptoms of fatigue, pain, and brain fog. But don’t despair! With a few intentional actions, you can tackle the January blues head-on and give your mood and energy levels a much-needed boost.

Here are some fun and practical tips to lift your spirits and support your health as you navigate the winter season.


1. Seek Out the Sun

It’s no secret that sunshine is a mood booster, but in Northern Europe, sunlight can be in short supply during the winter months. Still, even a few minutes of natural daylight can make a difference.

  • Maximize your sunlight exposure: Bundle up and head outside during the brightest part of the day. Even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still benefit from the daylight.
  • Expose your skin to sunlight: When possible, roll up your sleeves or let some sunlight hit your face. This helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential for immune health and mood regulation.

If you find it difficult to get enough sunlight naturally, consider using a light therapy lamp designed to mimic natural daylight. These devices can be a game-changer for managing seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and boosting your mood during the darkest months.


2. Make Vitamin D Your Winter Ally

Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. Studies show that people with autoimmune diseases are often deficient in vitamin D, making it even more important to prioritize during winter.

  • Supplements: Talk to your doctor about adding a vitamin D supplement to your routine. The recommended daily allowance may vary based on your specific needs.
  • Vitamin D-rich foods: Include fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), fortified plant milks, and egg yolks in your diet to boost your intake.

For more guidance on vitamin D, check out 👇

Vitamin D
Find out about vitamin D, including what it does, how much you need, and how to ensure you get enough.

3. Move Your Body—Rain or Shine

Exercise is a powerful mood lifter, and while it can be tough to stay active in the cold, the benefits are well worth it.

  • Go for a walk: Lace up your boots and head out for a stroll between rain or snow showers. Walking not only helps combat stiffness and fatigue but also provides an opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty—even in winter.
  • Make it social: If loneliness is weighing on you, organise a virtual walking group! Schedule a FaceTime or Zoom call with friends while you walk. It’s like dragging your besties out for a walk, but everyone gets to stay in their own neighborhood (or country!).
  • Warm up indoors: On days when venturing out isn’t appealing, try gentle yoga or stretching at home to keep your body moving. Platforms like Yoga with Adriene offer free, beginner-friendly classes.
Yoga With Adriene
WELCOME to Yoga With Adriene! Our mission is to connect as many people as possible through high-quality free yoga videos. We welcome all levels, all bodies, all genders, all souls! If you’re brand-new to yoga, check out my Yoga For Beginners and Foundations of Yoga series. These are designed to give you the tools to build a happy, healthy at-home yoga practice. Do your best, be authentic, and FIND WHAT FEELS GOOD. Jump on in! You don’t even have to leave your house. Love, Adriene Yoga With Adriene, LLC recommends that you consult your physician regarding the applicability of any recommendations and follow all safety instructions before beginning any exercise program. When participating in any exercise or exercise program, there is the possibility of physical injury. If you engage in this exercise or exercise program, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself.

4. Brighten Your Days with Connection

The post-holiday lull can feel isolating, especially if you’re managing a chronic illness. Staying connected with others can help combat feelings of loneliness and lift your mood.

  • Organize virtual events: Beyond walking calls, consider hosting a “woodland walk” theme Zoom chat where everyone shares their favorite nature spots or winter experiences. Bonus points if someone’s dog makes a cameo!
  • Join a community: Look for online support groups for people with autoimmune diseases. Or maybe your local town or village has an in-person group?

5. Embrace Cozy Self-Care

January is the perfect time to lean into cozy self-care rituals that nourish both body and mind.

  • Create a winter sanctuary: Light candles, grab a fluffy blanket, and curl up with a good book or podcast. This can be your little retreat from the world.
  • Warm up from the inside out: Treat yourself to nourishing soups, herbal teas, and hot water bottles to soothe aches and keep the cold at bay.
  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness apps can guide you through meditation sessions designed to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  • Virtual fun and escapes: Headspace and Mindway VR are excellent virtual escapes for your mind.

6. Plan for Something Joyful

Having something to look forward to can be a great motivator and mood booster.

  • Set small goals: Plan a fun outing, like a weekend walk in a local park, or start a new hobby you can enjoy indoors, like knitting or painting.
  • Celebrate milestones: Did you stick to your vitamin D routine this week? Celebrate it! Little wins deserve recognition.
  • Book a trip: If you’re able, plan a getaway to a sunnier destination later in the year. The mere act of planning can lift your spirits and give you something exciting to anticipate.

Final Thoughts

While January might feel like a slog, it’s also an opportunity to set the tone for the year ahead. By prioritizing sunlight, movement, connection, and self-care, you can beat the winter blues and feel more empowered in managing your autoimmune condition. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and small, intentional steps can make a big difference.

Here’s to brighter days ahead—even in the depths of winter!