In defence of January.

I think January gets too much of a bad rap so this is a different perspective on what’s good about January. I know what you’re thinking: it’s cold, dark, wet, I’m skint, having to be healthy, no fun etc etc but let’s consider the other side. 

Take the annual health drive that many people embark on. To me this is always a bit of a welcome relief, for my body, after the Christmas excess. It’s a reset for my tastebuds, cravings and food shopping habits. There’s no pressure to have yet another late night, when you’re already tired from the previous party. And, if you don’t overdo it, and embark on some horrific, unobtainable, crazy diet, that body reset can actually feel great. Generally a couple of weeks in, once passed the pain barrier & any withdrawal symptoms, I notice more energy, better sleep, better skin, good immunity etc. And who wouldn’t love all of that? More sleep & energy … mmmmm, yes please. And yet we all forget that we can end January feeling better than we do the rest of the year. It might take a bit of willpower but the rewards can be great. You don’t get that from December, there’s too much going on. Thank you January.

The other thing I’ve noticed from the January diet-reset is it encourages you to try new recipes, or new foods. And every year the chances are that some of those will stick & become part of your usual diet. The benefits of one January can therefore literally last a lifetime.

Same goes for exercise. Yoga classes, gyms, running groups are all swelling in numbers right now and more exercise makes everyone feel good. Even if we set aside how quickly you can feel fitter and stronger (just a few weeks can make a big difference), you get the mental health benefits straightaway after any session. More feel good endorphins and better mental health in January? Yes please. Just find an exercise that works for you (see last week’s blog for more on that). 

Now admittedly the weather isn’t always the greatest, and I am typing this looking out on grey drizzle. But at least in January it’s meant to happen. If we have to have rain (& it would appear as a species that we do have to have rain for water), I’d rather have it in January than when I’m camping in August and it’s supposed to be sunny. At least we can be prepared for it, the coats are at the ready, along with the wellies. Besides I have a fabulous Sunflower umbrella which enjoys a wintry outing!! 

And let’s not forget the joy that is slipping on a pair of warm slippers? You can’t do that in August – too flipping hot. And for an extra cherry on the cake, how about that feeling on a chilly day when you come in and put your Minnie Mouse onesie on? Maybe just me on that one but trust me it’s a truly marvellous feeling. Or toasting in front of your fire or heater or against a radiator. Or slipping into bed with a hot water bottle … mmmmmmm, bliss. 

The other good thing about being cold is you can warm up with layers or exercise. In the heat wave we were just stuck, too flipping hot and couldn’t do anything about it and we had no choice but to be sweaty. In January there are no such demands – you get to choose. 

But my favourite thing about January is it gives us a natural time to reflect, to look at our lives and think about what we want to be different or better. Or to celebrate the good stuff. That period of time after December and coming into New Year is naturally a time for reflection for most people and for standing back and considering their lives, what’s not working, what do I want more of, what needs to change etc. And from that can come actions, a new direction, clear intentions and a new focus. 

Obviously we can do that anytime but for the rest of the year it seems to mostly be caused by a crisis or feeling miserable. Whereas in January it happens naturally. Our thoughts in January can lead to subtle, or not so subtle shifts, such that, by the end of the year, life can be better, more joyful or more fulfilling. Without January we might be stuck in unhelpful patterns of behaviour or leading less fulfilling lives. January gives space to question, to try things out, and to change. There’s no pressure to go out, to spend, to drink or to distract ourselves from what might not be working. 

So there we have it. My big hurrah & thumbs up for January – too often unloved and yet quietly giving us so much. And if you are not maximising the true potential of January, remember that any day is a great day to make a change, in your thinking or your actions. Please like / comment / share to spread the January love. Sue X