(AD Post contains gifted items) We all know January can be tough. The Christmas decorations are down, the weather is gloomy and somehow those few steps from the sofa to the kettle feel like a marathon. But I've discovered something that genuinely helps lift the mood in our house; having an impromptu kitchen disco!

There's something wonderfully liberating about cranking up the music while you're loading the dishwasher or waiting for the pasta to cook. My youngest always joins in immediately (usually with some impressive interpretive dance moves), while my eldest pretends to be embarrassed but can't help bobbing along eventually.

Grab your microphone and get performing to beat those January blues

How To Cheer Up Your January

Why Dancing in Your Kitchen Actually Works

It's not just about being silly (though that's definitely part of the fun) dancing releases those feel good hormones that we're all desperately craving during the dark January days. Plus when you're attempting to recreate your favourite TikTok dance and failing miserably you can't help but laugh and laughter really is the best medicine.

Making It Work For Your Family

You don't need any special equipment or skills, just clear a bit of space between the kitchen table and the fridge (watch out for that corner that always catches your hip!) and you're good to go. 

Here's what works for us:

Breakfast Boogie: A couple of upbeat songs while making packed lunches or putting the socks on helps everyone start the day smiling.

After School Shake-off: Perfect for releasing those pent up school day wiggles and frustrations.

Dinner Prep Dance Party: Takes the monotony out of chopping vegetables (but I recommend putting sharp knives down safely while dancing).

Everyone will have fun joining in the dance party

Our Favourite Kitchen Disco Tracks

I've found that songs from my teenage years work brilliantly, they're new and hilarious to the kids and I actually know the words. Pretty soon though my children take over the selection with their choices. Current favourites in our kitchen include:

• The soundtracks for Sing and Sing 2 
• Silly songs like "Raining tacos", "I am Your Gummy Bear" and " We don't talk about Bruno"
• Any of the My Little Pony albums, seriously there are some great tunes on these albums including artists like Sia and Lucas Graham. They have the added bonus of being child friendly with positive, upbeat messages so definitely Mum approved. 

The Best Part?

You  cannot get it wrong. My signature move is something between a dad dance and what I imagine a giraffe would look like at a disco. My children find it hilarious and that's exactly the point. When you're having a kitchen disco, there's no room for January blues; just joy, giggles and the occasional spatula microphone session. And on those days when getting out of the house feels impossible (hello, horizontal rain), knowing you can create an instant mood lift just by hitting play on your phone is pretty powerful stuff.

So next time you're feeling that January slump, try it. Turn up the music, grab your choice of utensil microphone and just move. I promise you'll feel better, even if your teenager does film it for their Snapchat!

Bluetooth speaker with 'dancing' water jets

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