Ideas to make January less awful

[cosytoaster]

I hate January - it's dreary and boring, the weather's crap, I've invariably run out of money and it seems to drag on forever. So, in anticipation of the forthcoming misery, I'm planning ahead and am hoping for ideas to make it more bearable. Suggestions need to be cheap (definitely can't afford to go away). For context I'm a single parent (older teens so no childcare issues) and work full time. All ideas welcome!

Some kind of project - do you like crafty stuff? I'm teaching myself how to make clothes at the moment and have been surprised how enjoyable it is.

Set yourself a target. Running, decluttering, something like that. Something to aim at during January so that you can feel like that month was spent well.

Eating cake is how I get through January (and life to be honest). Do you like afternoon tea? If so, book one at a nice place and take along either a good friend or a good book and have an afternoon out.

Hide £50 in your sock draw now and then one particularly rubbish January day go to the cinema or out for some food

I've asked for theatre, cinema vouchers and restaurant tokens for my presents. So I can then go and see a play and a film during January without paying for it.

Where are you in the UK? Roughly.

Some great suggestions, will start planning thanks.

Am in the North Lancs Megle

Jigsaws, I can sit at the table, watch tv, build my jigsaw which takes weeks and have a glass of wine. Lovely & cheap!

If you're interested in doing something active, consider Run Every Day January redtogether.co.uk.

Or find another challenge such as starting and finishing a craft project within the month, reading a different type of book to the ones you might normally read, or take 31 things to a charity shop (31 days in January!).

Yes to putting away enough money to treat yourself to something small.
Could you ask your kids or other family to chip in to buy you a daylight alarm clock so you wake up to 'sunshine' in the morning?
Start taking a multivitamin or at least just vitamin D now.
Each Friday or Saturday night in January plan something nice even if it's just having your favourite meal, lovely bubble bath, watching a good film etc.
Embrace the dark evenings, draw your curtains and light some candles, get your pjs on early.

I’m the same. So this year I have started a crafty project on working on a run down dolls house and I’m going to do it up. Really looking forward to it.

Definalty save money so when your desperate you can get out into cosy pub for lunch or dinner.

Saunas at the local leisure centre.

Tell yourself that the days are getting longer. The end of the winter isn't too far away.

I have often thought about saving an advent calendar for Jan. A little chocolate, every day would be lovely.

Mark 17th January with a Wassail drink of mulled ale, wine or cider.

If you've got any fruit trees give them a libation to ensure a good harvest. But even without the trees, you can have a drink and follow this Anglo Saxon custom.
Love and joy come to you!

Thanks everyone - am going to think of some sort of big project and also plan some small treats in for the weekends; starting to look forward to it now

I have taken a lot of overtime on in Nov-Dec, so I can get a ‘fat’ paycheque at the end of December.

January has the sales on, I renew my underwear, make up and any clothes/shoes that I might need. I tend to buy very little but good quality.
Spas have offers in Jan, I’d have half a day spa with friend. Sauna is wonderful in winter, warms you to the bones.

Basically, I think I look at January as a month to look after myself. Not a lot else is going on, so I might as well.

4 bottles of wine, 4 bags of popcorn don't eat your Christmas chocolates straight away that's 4 movie nights.

I would recommend two books to you. You can buy them now or ask for them as Christmas presents! They are “the wonderful weekend book” and “the froth on a cappuccino.” Both talk about the simple but nice pleasures in life - very uplifting 😁

Invite some friends over on a sat evening for a drink and nibbles.
Go out for walks whenever you can.
Meet friends for walks.
I think lots of fresh air and some social interaction always helps to lift mood.

Have your birthday like me!!

I do a bit of a project
Plans what I'm going to do in the garden in spring

@Dontgiveamonkeys1350 are you going to put pictures of your dolls house renovation on MN? Please do!

OP how about choosing a few films to watch through the month, one for each weekend maybe? You could borrow them from the library or try your luck in charity shops.

Rainbows, please could you post the author of the cappuccino book? I tried to search for it on amazon but found only coffee machines! The weekend book is very fine, I agree😺