How To Survive January
My guide to making the year’s longest month feel a little more bearable (and a lot shorter).
January has always been my least favorite month—like a knockoff version of August. Or maybe the original version of August, but more serious and less fun. I might be biased because August is my birth month, thus, naturally, my favorite month of the year. Personal bias aside, August is similar to January in that they both mark the end of one season and the preparation for another. On the flip side, January feels like August’s overachieving, goal-obsessed older sibling. It keeps asking you what your plans are, reminding you how much you didn’t accomplish last year, and insisting that you be better—more driven, more organized, more everything.
For someone like me—decidedly not overly goal-oriented—January feels impossibly long, like it’s been given extra days to make you question every decision you’ve ever made. It drags you through the grind of winter, then throws you into the shortest month of the year, expecting you to be richer and hotter already.
Maybe it is me. Maybe I’m not trying hard enough, not determined enough. But I’m a Leo, so obviously, it’s not me. Therefore, I’m blaming my least favorite month. So, if you’re feeling the same way, here’s my guide to surviving January:
Plan something fun. It’s not too late, I promise. I’m convinced my best plan for January hasn’t even been brought up in conversation yet. Give yourself something to look forward to—an event, a trip, a day off, or even a fancy dinner. Turning January into a countdown toward something tangible makes it feel shorter and less intimidating. Focus on that one plan, not that we have twelve new months ahead.
Keep watching holiday movies. This is my ultimate life hack. I will continue watching holiday movies well into February. It’s still cold and dark, and the days are still short, but we’re somehow expected to leave all the coziness and comfort behind in favor of our goals. I object. I mean, who even had time to watch holiday movies during the actual holiday season? My annual rewatch of The Holiday and Love Actually is still pending. And no, I can’t pick a favorite.
Keep baking. On that same note, who decided baking season ends in December? Pick a new recipe you’ve always wanted to try now that you don’t have to impress all your friends and family. Or bake your favorite recipes, just for yourself this time. The general vibe here is to keep the holiday vibes going if you can’t tell. As for me, I’m working on perfecting cinnamon rolls. My favorite recipe as of right now is this one by Tastes of Lizy T. I’m making a few adjustments, though, so I might share it soon!
Spend time outdoors. I’ve been staying inside as much as possible lately, but whenever I feel stuck, I remind myself to step outside. There’s something about January that feels especially quiet—for the first time since October, there’s nothing to celebrate. Most houses and businesses have packed away their decorations, leaving the streets bare and eerily calm. So, go for a walk and get some fresh air while you try to spot the odd house that refuses to take its decorations down. You might realize things aren’t moving quite as fast as they seem. And, please, I beg you, do not count your steps.
Limit social media. This one’s basic but effective. Personally, I can’t scroll through everyone’s “new year, new me” posts, resolutions, and big plans without feeling a pang of self-doubt. It’s not that I’m not happy for them—it’s more that I start pitying myself for not being where they are or dreaming as big as they are. I’d rather step back from active platforms like Instagram and TikTok to avoid that spiral and switch to slower ones like Pinterest. You can still romanticize the new year in private, without the noise or pressure of what everyone else is doing and what that means for you.
Reset your space. This may be the most January one of them all. Some people like to do this in December. I’m not one of those people. January just feels like a better time—there’s no rushing to get it done before the new year among all the festivities, and it still aligns with the whole fresh-start energy we have going on. Take some time to reevaluate what you own after the holidays. Declutter your closet, reorganize your drawers, or finally check cleaning that hard-to-reach corner you’ve been avoiding off your to-do list. Consider donating the things you no longer need. Let go of what no longer serves you and make room for the new year.
Set one small goal. If you are overwhelmed by the pressure of hitting the ground running on all your goals for this year, start small instead. Pick one thing to focus on this month—something to pick up momentum. Want to make more money? Challenge yourself to make an extra $500. Want to improve your health? Start taking daily vitamins or aim to drink more water. Want to start a new hobby? Pick a small project you can complete by the end of the month. Forget about the rest of your goals for a little. Plant a seed; the garden will come later.
Wear a dress. It feels like dress season is over, and we’re expected to stick to activewear or business casual now. Again, I object. It’s time to let go of the idea that dresses are reserved for special occasions. Wear the dress—to the grocery store, your favorite coffee shop, the movies, or a quick errand. Wear it to the DMV if you must. And if dresses don’t make you feel good, then wear whatever does—your favorite outfit, your coziest sweater, or that one piece you’ve been saving for “someday.”
If all else fails, treat yourself. January is often framed as a month of restraint—cutting back and setting limits in virtually every aspect of our lives. But I live for a treat. Whether it’s brunch at your favorite spot, fresh flowers, a new cozy game, that skirt you’ve been eyeing for a while now, or even booking that summer trip ahead of time (which is not only a treat but also a smart financial decision), these are the things we work so hard for in the first place.
Here’s to making it through January.
With love from the house,
Wilda xx
