How do you keep yourself happy in January? Both me and my husband really struggle with the long, dark nights. We get out for a walk with the dog everyday and try to eat healthily, limit alcohol etc but we always find it so difficult to motivate ourselves to do much at this time of year.
Wondering what other folks do to make January go that bit faster/be more enjoyable?
Hope this helps:
Trying new recipes at least once a week;
Watch new series;
Reading;
Visit exhibitions;
Organise a lunch / dinner date;
Try a new hobby / activity / sports;
Attend a class (cooking / pottery / Pilates / yoga);
Weekend getaways to the countryside.
Hello! I really recommend following Suzy Reading @SuzyReading. She’s an incredible psychologist and a big believer that there’s a reason we find January so bleak - because as humans, Mother Nature is telling us to hunker down and preserve our energy. Spring should really be ‘January’ as that’s when our energy resets. She has just released a new book, Self Care For Winter, which delves into this concept, Amazon.co.uk
Failing that, I love my Lumie desk lamp for a dose of vitamin D on WFH days. https://www.lumie.com/products/task
This book sounds so lovely Tor! Adding straight to my Amazon basket!
Hey Jenni, I can so relate to this, January can be so incredibly bleak and boring, and too often than not, I am in the same mindset every time Jan comes around. I have recently bought some new books that I am super excited to read throughout this month and beyond (all very self development inspired, but perfect for boosting personal morale) - I have attached them below ;
As well as this, my partner and I have also made it our mission this month to commit to 1 date night a week to spend some proper quality time together! Looking forward to trying some new restaurants, new parks to walk in and perhaps a new activity x
Thanks everyone for your replies, its nice to be reminded I’m not the only one who struggles at this time of year. I’ll look up Suzy Reading for sure, she sounds fab.
Love all these book recommendations - I got a new Kindle for Christmas so I’ll get downloading! Gives me an excuse to browse the charity shops as well to see if I can find any of these titles second hand.
Our neighbour also randomly recommended a new restaurant to us today so that gives us a new place to try for date night.
I’ve heard of Lumie before but never tried it - I also WFH so I’ll get one for my office and see if it helps!
I completely get you on this - I think most people feel the January blues, and I do big time. I have come to realise the pattern and use this month as a ‘me-month’ where I have time to reflect on the prev year, and what I’d like to do this year.
Lots of planning trips, journaling, dog walks, booking classes for new hobbies (I want to book a jewellery or pottery workshop), etc. really helps. I also took up yoga a couple months ago which really helps, as well as making sure I do my daily meditations.
I also find being out the house is great, even if just reading in a coffee shop vs reading in bed.
We got this! x
This sounds fab! Adding to my basket now…
I have a Lumie SAD light which is great in the afternoons when it gets dark so early, and also have a Lumie alarm clocks that mimics a sunrise & gradually gets lighter to wake you up!
I totally relate - I’m not sure how far you live from family & friends, but often I find that meeting friends and family regularly is so helpful - I know it can be a pain to organise but once I’m with them it’s so worth it.
Other things I find helpful:
I find pilates so relaxing to just focus on your body and breathing.
Going back and watching a comfort show.
Trying to make my home feel cosier: candles, new blanket, soft lighting
I think being out the house as much as possible really helps. Seeing friends and family and trying new restaurants / visiting new shops.
I think embracing the cold weather like cooking hot food, making soups, having hot chocolates and watching a series is the way to go xx
I’ve found making plans, even if its to go for a walk to get a coffee really helpful, it’s the having something to look forward to! Getting outside despite the weather and seeing the daylight is so key too.
I’ve also been taking vitamin d daily and lions mane supplements which I would recommend
Also completely agree with Elyana, embracing the cold and cooking a good soup makes me feel so productive and cosy!
Thanks so much everyone for all your suggestions and advise! Honestly it helps so much to know other people feel the same or have to actively find ways to get through the dark and cold. Seeing your replies in my inbox each day has really perked me up 
This week me and my husband have:
Found a new place to walk the dog
Been for a midweek date night at our local pub (and they had 30% off food!)
Cooked an old favourite recipe that we haven’t had for ages
Spent half an hour each evening doing puzzles to reduce screen time
Got stuck into the Traitors (love that show)
I’ve made more of an effort to keep on top of skincare, done a hair mask, and read some of my book every day. I’ve also set up a lamp and scented candle on my desk (not a lumie but it definitely helps!)
Now to take the positive vibes with me throughout the rest of January and into the year ahead! Sending positivity to you all xx
Amazing!!! sounds lovely x
I’m so happy for you! These all sound so lovely - we’ve got this xx
I would really recommend taking up dancing together - a real mood enhancer.
Salsa, Bachata, Ceroc are all upbeat and good fun.
The key is to not feel embarrassed and to stay on to practise, when the class ends and the social bit begins.
Plus don’t be shy to ask more experienced dancers to dance with you, as they will help you to improve.
Then when you get home, you can dance round the kitchen!
Wear a T shirt or cool top and shoes with slippery soles.
I love this idea! I’ve been to a few social salsas before and they’re so much fun, sometimes feeling ‘silly’ is the best bit! I’ll have a look for classes we can do together
Absolutely loved going through all the comments in this, and have also added the book to my basket!
Some great tips on this thread! Agree January is totally bleak - brisk walks & getting enough sleep is key for me. Although would defo get a holiday booked in, that always helps X
I’ve switched my mindset to see this time of year as the month to stay at home and be cosy and rest after busy December, I like to spend time making plans for the rest of the year with family/friends so I have lots to look forward to