7 reasons why you should love January

It’s the month we all love to hate, but there are plenty of reasons to put a pep in your step at the stroke of midnight
Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia
Liz Connor3 January 2017

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and then it’s January.

Few other months can elicit such groans of fear and suffering than the first of the year, with its depressing weather and ‘back to school’ drudgery.

At this point, you’re probably flat broke, your social calendar has dried up overnight and your waistline is larger than ever.

But don’t let that get you down.

If you look past the harrowing wait for payday, the bleak weather and the charmless nothingness of January, you’ll see there are actually a few brilliant things about this much-maligned part of the year.

Don’t believe us? Read on...

Shopping is cheaper

We all know there’s nothing more depressing than heading out to the sales and spotting that jumper/book/pair of boots you bought just a week ago is now half-price. But ignore that. Savvy shoppers know that January is the best time to score a bargain - whether you’re still in the market for a winter coat or you want to stockpile your occasionwear for the coming year. If you’re really smart, you could even start your Christmas 2017 shopping early. Nothing beats the blues like a bit of smug boasting to your friends and colleagues.

You don’t have to spend time with your family

It’s too harsh to voice it out loud, but after a week of arguing over the Monopoly board, passive-aggressively passing the salt at the dinner table and hearing the same stories twenty times in a row, we’re all secretly glad to have some breathing space from our next of kin. Until next year, guys.

You finally have holiday time again

The calendar resets in January, which means you probably have an arsenal of annual leave to play with. Even if you can’t afford to pay for your holiday this month, you can entertain yourself by getting serious about booking some time away - whether you fancy taking a trip of a lifetime, holing up in a cosy pub stay or ticking off a few places you need to see before you turn 30.

30 places to visit before you turn 30

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There’s never a better time to get things done

After the revelry of the party season, the bleak midwinter forces everyone indoors. But who said that was a bad thing? Instead of spending night after night in front of Netflix and checking your Facebook invites, use this social downtime productively. Tick off any niggling life admin tasks, learn a new skill or throw yourself into a hobby. You’ll head into February feeling like a new person.

Dry January

Nobody likes the idea of dry January, until they get to February and feel great for doing so. And there’s no better time to get on a booze-free health kick either. The darkness, drizzle and general depressing vibe in the air has most people foregoing the pub after a long day at the office. Which is great for you, because it means you won’t get FOMO while you’re on the wagon.

You can spend money on yourself

You just spent a bomb on friends and family in December, and you’re about to do the same for your partner on Valentine’s Day in February. January is one of the only months where you can enjoy some guilt-free self gifting. Treat yourself.

Treat yourself
Jeremy Selwyn

2016 is over

One major silver lining to January? It’s a whole new year. Raise a glass - the annus horribilis is over.

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