Is it just me, or is January the armpit of the year?
I heard on the news the other day how the third Monday of January is considered the most depressing day of the year, and I totally get it. I know I go on and on all the time about being an optimist but…these four weeks of the year just suck.
For me, it’s not so much about the weather, but more about the lack of things to look forward to. You see, I’m very much an expectations person, and in January I have to come to terms with the fact that the next two months are almost completely uneventful. At least in February there’s the excitement for the onset of spring in a month…and a special someone’s birthday coming up. Wink.
So, what’s a girl to do when she’s still got two weeks left of a seemingly hopeless month? Here are some of the things I’ve been doing and will continue to do in order to salvage these last 13 days.
1. plan “fun time” for at least once a week. It seems simple enough, right? But, I’ve found that in the dead of winter sometimes it’s easier to say “nah, I’m just going to stay in tonight.” Whether you stay in or go out, set aside time to do something you love - preferably with the people you love. For us it’s Southside. For you it might be Scategories. Some say tomato, some say to-mah-to.
I think we forget how important it is to have something to look forward to, so if you don’t have anything in particular in place, take control and put it in place.
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Some ideas: dinner at a new restaurant you’ve been dying to try, treating yourself to a mini shopping spree, or visiting an out-of-town friend for the weekend.
2. embrace the time to just chill. If your life is anything like mine, the year ahead is only going to get busier and crazier as the months go on. So when you’re not out doing that “something-fun,” take advantage of the cold weather and lull in events to relax…and maybe refine your plans and goals for the next 11 months. In the same way that runners rest on the day before a race (don’t ask how I know that), use this month to prepare for whatever the year ahead has in store.
3. take up a new hobby. When life is great and exciting, it’s easy to put off taking up that new hobby you’ve been thinking about for the past two years. What better way to get your mind off of a crappy month than by starting a fun new hobby? I wish I could say I’m practicing what I’m preaching by picking up piano again, but my new hobby looks a little bit more like this. No matter how big or small it may be, it really is true that time flies when you’re pinning having fun.
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Do you hate January too? How do you get through less-than-eventful months?
I hate January, but mostly because it’s cold and snowy most of the time. It’s actually reasonably warm today, but icy. I just want warm weather to come so I can get back into flip flops.
I cannot stand January, though right now that may be because I am in midst of finals…but it is a horrible month no matter what. I get through the interminable months after christmas and before spring working, baking and trying to keep myself in a happy warmth. A lot of reading gets done. Your ideas are great too, I like the one about taking up a new hobby; certainly a good way to make time fly
I’m not the biggest fan of January, except for the 25th, when it’s my birthday!
A lot of people I know don’t look forward to January- and sometimes I don’t either- but my birthday is in January (actually… next Tuesday!) and so I adore that part of the month. Also because my mom’s birthday is 2 days after mine- so we usually celebrate together!
This is the time of the year that I shop the most…oops.
Melissa says
I get through January by keeping my Christmas decorations up through the majority of the month. (Well the inside ones at least, the HOA makes us take the outside ones down) Also, my birthday is on the 21st so that helps make the month a bit more bearable
Chicago weather is absolutely awful in January so I combat that with extra warm beverage runs. They’re fun and keep me toasty!
Rachel says
I LOVE january- cos its my birthday tomorrow!
yay, happy early birthday!
Tiffany says
Couldn’t agree more with this post!
I think it is all about perspective.
yes, it is cold.
yes, there are no real holidays.
yes, everyone is on a budget.
However, there are so many opportunities for there to be special surprises every single day. Just have to keep your eyes open.
January is cold and dark- def two not very appealing traits… I’m longing for warm weather and longer days B-)
Holly@loveoflifeblog says
AH I had no idea about the third Monday in January but I was just thinking about how it seems this month will NEVER END! We are keeping our tree up till we get sick of it…And my church does a class series every night of the week in the month of January- I love that idea too!
I love all of these tips—great ideas for getting through these cold winter months!
I’ve always hated January. Nothing good ever seems to happen! Thankfully it’s over halfway done!
I’ve actually always loved January. Maybe because it’s my birthday month? Or maybe because I’ve always looked at it as the beginning of something new and exciting? A fresh start, if you will. Whatever the reason, I try to enjoy every moment of it.
I can definitely see why most people don’t like it though. It can seem fairly boring, at times. Your tips for making it enjoyable are fabulous.
Yeah, there’s definitely something to be said for the “fresh start-ness” of January! And happy birthday
I am right there with you - January is NO fun. I think it’s just sad because Christmas is over and there’s really nothing exciting coming up…just more cold weather. Thanks for the tips though - I’ve been going to the gym a lot and I think that has helped me have a better attitude