There is no denying that January can be perceived as a depressing month. The festivities of Christmas are over for another year. You may be left with credit card bills, you might just be down and out about the weather, or you simply feel like you have no direction for the next twelve months. We all feel the slump every now and again, however, your kitchen could be the key to helping you get out of the funk. With that in mind, here are some of the things to consider helping you feel much better and enable you to beat the January blues.
Get Baking
Many people will agree that baking can be very therapeutic, and some will argue that it is one of the best ways to cook in the kitchen. From savory delights to sweet treats, baking has you covered. Whether you stick with something you know or you try these traditional Peruvian alfajor cookies, you are bound to find something that you like to bake. It might be the process of weighing the ingredients, kneading dough, the preparation, or even just enjoying the food once they are baked, but regardless it can be an ideal way to get rid of the fog of January.
Kitchen Gadget Sales
If you didn’t overspend buying presents for others or you have a bit of Christmas cash burning a hole in your pocket, taking advantage of some sales on new kitchen equipment can be a fun way to change up your cooking routine. Maybe you don’t spend too much time in the kitchen because you don’t have the right tools to help you cook up some amazing dishes. January is the ideal time to invest. The sales are on, prices are slashed, and you will find that you will get some amazing deals on some kitchen gadgets. Whether it is a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, a juicer, or even some new pots and pans, now is the ideal time to take advantage of some sales and invest in good quality tools.
Cook a Meal from Scratch
There is nothing quite as satisfying as creating a meal from scratch. Turning something from nothing into a tasty delight can really help you to feel like you have achieved something and for you to be proud of yourself. Why not seek out a new or challenging recipe and cook it from scratch. Avoid the shortcuts, turn on some relaxing music, and get lost in the process of cooking.
Try Something New
If you are feeling a little down and out then you are likely sticking to things you are comfortable with, and that will include the food you eat. So a great way to avoid the slump of January is to step out of that comfort zone and try something new. It might be worth looking at a recipe you haven’t done before or even cooking with ingredients you have never tried. Perhaps your resolution is to eat healthier. If so, use this as an opportunity to find some fun new recipes that you are both healthy and tasty.
Cook for Friends and Family
Finally, there is no time like the present to be surrounded by the people you love and it can be an excellent mood lifter for January. So invite your friends and family around and cook up a meal for them. It can be a great distraction when it comes to feeling down, and it can also enable you to feel productive and proud of yourself for what you have achieved.
Let’s hope these tips help you to beat the January blues in the kitchen.
This is a contributor post, which has been reviewed and edited personally by me before being published. Links to external reviews are meant to provide additional ideas to readers and do not reflect my personal opinion or review of products.