Don’t let January get you down. Pic: Russavia
With the excitement of Christmas over and the last of the New Year’s fireworks fizzled out, the first month of the year can often seem a bleak one. But Eastlondonlines is here to help ease the January blues and give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
Go back in time
With the vast expanses of January stretching before you, what better time to escape the daily grind and try something new? Get your dancing shoes on and head down to The Rivioli in Lewisham, where the retro 1950s dance hall, which hosts a range of events, will make you feel like you’ve hopped into a time machine. If dancing’s not your thing, and you want something else to get your teeth into, try the Medieval Banquet in Tower Hamlets. Watch music from the 12-16th centuries while you indulge in an authentic three-course meal.
Look after your body
London is packed full of juice bars and vegetarian restaurants to help you detox after indulging through the festive period. Try Zer Coffee and Juice bar in Hackney for fresh, healthy treats from breakfast through to lunch, or head to Pilpel’s in Spitalfields and gorge on organic goodies in this unique “houmous and falafel” joint.
Once you’ve had your fill, dust off the cobwebs and join a local fitness group, where you’ll get to make friends as well as get fit. With mulled wine and mince pies no longer an appropriate antidote to the winter chills, a walk around Tower Hamlets with one of its seven walking groups is bound to warm you up. Or, if you’re Croydon or Lewisham-based, Miracle fitness, which offers boot camps in a range of local parks, also promises to get you back in tip-top shape.
Save some pennies
Christmas well and truly stretches the purse strings and peeking at your bank statement once the festivities have ended may fill you with dread. But there are services along the east London line to help you manage your finances at this difficult time. Whether you just wish to save some pennies now the holidays are behind you, or if Christmas has left you in real financial difficulty, The Croydon Debt and Money Advice Helpline can offer free, impartial advice. Lewisham Council’s Money Advice Service is a similar facility, although guidance is given by sit-down appointment rather than by phone.
Take some you time
Getting away from the hustle and bustle and pencilling some time for relaxation into your schedule will really help to lift the spirits. Sahaja yoga meditation can help you to achieve “a state of profound deep peace”, according to instructors and Hackney’s Hindu Community Centre offers classes for all completely free of charge. If you would prefer to find your inner peace with the help of a cool glass of wine why not try “Yoga in a Bar” courtesy of Passing Clouds in Dalston.
Clear out and de-clutter
If a house full of clutter is getting you down, January is the perfect time to create some space. Give or Take days, run by Hackney Council, allow you to give up your unwanted items and pick up someone else’s donations if something catches your eye; the next one runs on January 24. You can also exchange your old children’s clothes with other parents at the Meath Gardens Children’s Centre in Bethnal Green. Your trash may indeed prove to be someone else’s treasure!
