How to make January more bearable?

[chippytea33]

Just looking for tips really to make January feel a bit easier. We've had a good Christmas but I've massively over indulged in food and booze. I've enjoyed having some downtime but also preparing to get back into the routine of work and school etc as I've lost all sense of space and time at the moment.

Planning on doing dry January which is a big deal for me as usually drink 5 nights of the week roughly. Also want to clear my diet up a bit without 'dieting' as such as I don't want to introduce too many unsustainable challenges all at once!

It's a long month, still cold and dark, we will be skint. Part of me just wants to hibernate, the other half thinks I need to keep myself occupied so I'm not tempted by wine or the contents of the fridge!

I've got a big pile of books to read and could maybe start a new series. What's everyone else going to be doing?

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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 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 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 💐

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 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.

This might be a starting point.