It is a truth universally acknowledged that January is the worst month of the year. The dreary Artic- weather, the grey skies, the sense of flat disappointment after the excitement of Christmas and New Year – it’s never going to be infused with the joy that other months can bring. Combine with this the stress of exams and the weight gain from a month sitting stationary in revision mode while stuffing turkey sandwiches, it’s a no wonder that many people feel down in the dumps. However, there are several tried and tested methods for beating (or at least semi-beating) the January blues, so we at Her Campus have sorted them into a comprehensive guide for you.
1. Don’t make promises you can’t keep
January is essentially a month of lies. Yes, that’s right big fat whoppers. There is so much pressure on this month to be the month of change, the time of finally getting your act together, so people end up making ridiculous resolutions that ultimately end in disappointment and guilt. Let’s face it, Dry January may seem like a good idea at the time, but come the end of exams, an alcohol free Ocean becomes a much more uninviting prospect. Likewise for that brand new gym membership – if you just hold out until February before buying then you are much more likely to actually go, once all the other January gym newbies have inevitably flaked. Save the change for February and just set very small attainable goals for the dreaded first month of the year – then anything you do achieve is a bonus, rather than a failure.
2. Treat yo’ self
Just about the only good thing about January is the January sales. With the student loan not long in and the stress of exams just about over, its time to head out into town for some retail therapy. With tons of great deals on, nothing really beats the uniquely British joy of buying something for £10 when it used to be £30. Just be careful not to over-do it though, the lure of the red sale stickers can often become an addiction resulting in the loss of your entire loan before your rent has even come out of your account.
3. Celebrate!
Exams are over, coursework is in – it’s time to party! Whether it’s just with a nice meal or a crazy night out it’s time to let your hair down and temporarily pretend that you’re back in the Christmas New Year period of celebrations. Although a hangover may make the prospect of the January day after even more bleak, at least you will have the antics of the night before to laugh about to cheer you up!
4. Make plans
January won’t last forever! Make plans, book events, give yourself something to look forward to in the coming year. The sun may not be shining now but there is nothing to stop you making plans to go somewhere where the outlook is a bit brighter (and warmer) – whatever your budget there will always be something to do or somewhere else to go.
5. Try something new
With Refreshers Fair at the beginning of term there are a wide variety of weird and wacky societies to try or sports to sample. As a person who has personal experience of this, trying and reviewing taster sessions run by Pole Dance Society and Latin Ballroom and Salsa Society for Her Campus Nottingham, I would highly recommend doing this! Whether you find a new passion or just experience a few of hours of hilarity, it’s the perfect way to beat the January blues and possibly positively influence the coming term!
Edited by Katie Randall
Sources:
https://giphy.com/gifs/money-shopping-i-love-it-BwmyYZjbTDJhm
http://giphy.com/gifs/drunk-drinking-i-love-lucy-Fa1NLMfamWLSw
http://giphy.com/gifs/summer-sun-yellow-FTD8lJGJpyKuA
https://giphy.com/gifs/30-rock-2013-Cx0JktG3wBWvu
http://www.metroradio.co.uk/local/10-signs-you-have-the-january-blues/