New year, new you?

4 January 2023

Members can make positive changes to improve their health and their lifestyle at the start of the new year with the help of free factsheets from Police Mutual.

Police Mutual, which provides financial services and welfare support to the police service, has produced guides to Dry January and Blue Monday.

They aim to help you take steps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing through January and into the rest of the year.

The Dry January guide will help members join thousands of other people across the country in giving up or reducing their alcohol consumption.

The factsheet highlights the health benefits of giving up the booze for a month including better sleep, weight loss and improved mental health – as well as the financial savings you can make.

Blue Monday, meanwhile, is the third Monday of January and is said to be the most depressing day of the year as the financial hangover of Christmas kicks in, credit card bills arrive and the days remain short and dark.

The Police Mutual factsheet offers ideas to combat the winter blues, including exercise, being sociable and setting realistic targets.

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley said: “The Christmas and New Year festivities are over but many will still be paying for them, while juggling their finances as the cost of living crisis continues.

“And, with the still short days and long nights stretching ahead, January can be a challenging time of the year for many people.

“These free guides can help you to make a fresh start, and to make some lifestyle changes that can help to improve your physical and mental health.

“Even if you’re not doing Dry January or don’t subscribe to the idea of Blue Monday, there’s bound to be some tips to help you make a healthier start to 2023.”

Download the guides to Dry January and Blue Monday.