How to make January more bearable?

This might be a starting point.

I dislike January and often feel really low at that time of year, but I’ve fared better in the years when I’ve tried to focus on things I enjoy doing, eg reading a good book, sitting in my comfy chair with a blanket. Having something to look forward to is important for me, so I’ve booked a family holiday (UK, which means people can arrive and leave as their schedules permit).

I have some family challenges at present which won’t get any better, so “me time” amongst all that is also important.

Well, I won't be actively making it worse with dry January, veganuary etc. Tho in my case dry January's a bit of a moot point as i've always been teetotal.
Maybe there'll still be some Christmas chocolate left to eat.

I love the evenings gradually getting lighter, all the bulbs in the garden coming up, going out for long walks on the hills.

Plus we have three birthdays in January, including a big one this year, so lots of seeing family and friends.

A pile of books to read, some crotchet for the evenings, new recipes to try. Bring it on.

But I realise some people are struggling, best wishes to you if this is you 💐

I don’t know Op. I loathe January to be honest.
I am aware that I am going to struggle mentally for a number of reasons and am desperately trying to put some scramble some strategies to help . My husband is going away abroad again for months this week and my lovely Dad is going to be having major surgery next week and on top of that I am recovering from major surgery and complications myself.
Not sure genuinely how I am going to cope as I already have precarious mental health as it is. And I fucking hate January . Truth and quietly be told I can feel myself sliding and not at all in a good way.

I like January. There's zero expectations from anyone - no one can see you under hats and jumpers and it's my birthday.
I use January as a time to enjoy myself as sales are on, restaurants and hotels are cheaper etc.

I prepare for Spring when it's 100% easier to give up stuff. It's Lent in February and I give up alcohol for that. It's 40 days so better than 31 days in Jan.
Days get lighter so easier to get out for a run or walk in Feb and more Vit D.

Honestly is better to go with the flow in January and go hardcore when the rest of nature wakes up.

I wish I could go on holiday but have kids at school

Buying theatre tickets as a family Christmas present is a good one! Gives you something nice to do.

I like getting some exercise in Jan, but also the cosy nights in.

Plus we are all into the Traitors so will be watching that!

Drink less - back to dieting - go on holiday!
DP birthday is in January so when we can afford it we go for some winter sun
I was internet browsing a few days ago and ended up booking another holiday for later in the year as there were some really good deals on
Will also try and read more and get back to gym/swim with DD

Last year we got a new streaming service and that gave January a lift.

I hate January. The only way I can make it tolerable is to ensure I have a holiday booked at the end of it.

Why not reduce your days per week over January? Down to 4 nights in week 1, 3 nights in week 2 etc and aim to be at zero or v much reduced pattern by the end of the month. The regularity of your drinking has become a habit so you need to replace that habit. Also, if it’s a crutch against dealing with something else that needs addressing too.

Suggest you sign ip for a virtual walk / run / swim. Search online and you'll find a few to choose from

Get fresh air every day

Make soup

I've signed myself up for two new classes so I will be out of the house on Monday and Wednesday nights all through January. I usually mostly stay indoors in winter because I hate driving in the dark but due to recent change in circumstances, I don't want to wallow in self-pity at already shitty time of year. So I am very much looking forward to next week when activities start up again.

I'm doing similar to others and focussing on a good diet, lots of veg and protein, sleep and exercise.
I bought a mini stepper recently and I can do that while watching tv if nothing else
Several books to be read as well.
Cleaning the house too.
I want to book a couple of day trips too.
I've realised that the more organised you are, the more free time you have and the more money you save so my main priority will be to spend an hour or so every week to organise my meals and cleaning schedule for the week.

I'm going back to basics. Minimum of 8 hours sleep a night, walk everyday, thirty fruit and veg a week thingy. I'm absolutely exhausted and need to ground myself.

There are lots of deals on spa days and overnight stays, I'm planning to book a deal in mid January. There are also a number of tourist attractions that do Hal's price tickets during January.

I've booked in a couple of catch ups and a theatre trip and I'll try to do some holiday planning.

I also buy lots of nice snacks etc in the run up to Christmas and put them at the back of the cupboard. We eat nice biscuits etc through January. Helps keep a little bit of jolliness going.

I booked a weekend away for later in the month - I did this last year and it was brilliant to look forward to it, and a few days off.

I also do a lot of life planning in January. Cliché!

Even a few hours in a spa/something fancy could be just the ticket. You could put the booze savings towards it?

Try having both of your children in January - that should help! ;-) One mid Jan, the other two weeks later. I go straight from Christmas chaos into party planning and worrying about what to buy them...

Honestly tho, I do love it. I love the fresh start and time to reflect on the year gone by. I usually do Dry January and feel loads better for it. Always have weight to lose but focus more on the healthier eating and better habits. Try and do 10k steps a day. Take Vit D every day and use a sad lamp.

Good luck, hope some tips here help!

January is theatre month for us. We book in lots of shows. Also living in the Southern Hemisphere seems to solve the problem.

Off to Lanzarote for10 days of winter sun

January is not my favourite month but I am ready for the new year. I would echo a PP, you have alot of changes planned, I would take it more slowly to reduce the chances of failure. I will be doing dry January but I don't drink much anyway now. My personal goal is to achieve a 2 minute plank I can get to 1min 11secs at the moment 😃

'I love January! It’s a time of fresh starts, a whole year to look forward to, everything going back to normal after the stress and chaos of Christmas.
it’s a time of new stationery, new challenges, seed catalogues, big piles of books to enjoy, time to plan activities and trips.'

Me too, I absolutely love it. Christmas is over and I feel like I can breathe again. Absolute best time of year for cooking too - hearty and healthy stuff to look forward to

Rather than deciding to give up stuff, I make a list of what I want to stop, to start, and to continue. Important to make space to remember the healthy / useful stuff that you already do, and commit to keep at it

I like to read a lot, light lots of candles, declutter and fortify myself with lots of vitamins and soup.