WE THINK EVERYONE can agree – January is the worst month of the year.
After weeks of festive buzz, nights out and time with our nearest and dearest, January is the cold-turkey solution to moving on after Christmas.
Yes, all of a sudden our homes are stripped bare, our schedule is wide open and we don’t have another holiday to look forward to till Paddy’s Day.
It’s fairly bleak.
However, in a bid to break the cycle of bad Januarys, we’ve been having a think about ways to make the month just a little less tear-enducing than usual.
We’re not aiming for the stars here but just making it to February without our minds.
Here are a few things we think will help.
1. Set yourself a challenge – an easy one
Not a resolution. I repeat – not a resolution.
Set yourself a challenge for the month of January that while it may be out of the ordinary, it is totally achievable.
Things like finally binge-watching The Wire, going somewhere new for lunch or meeting a different friend every weekend for a chat, are all easily attainable goals that won’t feel like you’re feeding into that ‘new year, new you’ BS.
By month’s end, you’ll weirdly have a sense of accomplishment for doing something so simple and will likely set yourself new challenges for February.
2. Return any pre-Christmas purchases you haven’t used or will use
And yes, any gifts you might not be keen to hang on to too. Sending back online purchases and returning store-bought items can be something that we stress about getting done before Christmas.
However, with a longer returns window around this time of year, heading back in the coming weeks can be worth the wait.
Not only do you have the time to do it now but you’ll also appreciate the added influx of funds ahead of the never-ending wait for pay day.
3. Fill your diary with free events
Speaking of little-to-no money, looking into the free events in your area can help ease the January blues.
Yes, one of the biggest struggles in January is the sheer boredom that comes after a month of hectic scheduling.
So, in a bid to fill your evenings and weekends with something other than self-pity, look into the free entertainment that’s available in your area or around the country.
Bring a pal and help brighten their month too.
4. Advent calendars aren’t just for advent
Right, we all know that advent calendars are supposed to be enjoyed in the build up to Christmas but we think it’s the new year when you really need those perks.
Not only are many advent calendars massively reduced in January, they are also way more beneficial.
25 days of skincare goodies? My tired and hungover skin would love that.
12 days of scented home treats? The perks bleak January evenings need.
So, choose which discounted gem you’d like and screw the rules.
5. Organise a post-pay day treat in advance
Pay day is so very far away. January always drags (who remembers the never-ending hell of January 2018?) so it’s always good to have something at the end to look forward to.
With the bank balance looking fairly sad until pay day, you’re probably best waiting till those have replenished. But when it does – do it large.
We’re talking a spa day with your mam, a big night out (false lashes, heels, the lot!) or a super indulgent dinner somewhere you’ve been dying to try.
Any one of these will be the light at the end of the tunnel you need during the five-week month of January.
