Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

7 Things You Can Do to Get Yourself Through the Rut of January

By Kyli Engle

I don’t know about you, but I hate January. It’s cold, it’s dark, and, unless you have a birthday this month, there’s usually not a whole lot going on. To me, January has always felt like just a month-long hangover. We just had all the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving then the winter holidays and then the New Year. And then boom, here we are. A whole bunch of nothing.

Generally, this is the time of year when we should be slowing down and resting. I’d guess that’s the reason for the complete slowdown this month. The trees don’t create new buds right now, so why should we be starting new things? But it gets boring and we still need to do things to pass the time.

So if you’ve started this January off feeling completely uninspired, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I put together a list of things you could try that might make the cold of this month move by just a little bit faster. I know I’ll certainly be doing a few of these. And if none of these pique your fancy, that’s ok. Maybe just take a nap, it’s a great time of year for it.

  • Read

    So far, in 2025, I’ve read 4 books. You don’t have to do it like that. But, nothing makes me feel cozier than putting on my fuzzy socks, making a cup of Earl Grey tea, and reading a really good book. So I’ll always recommend it, especially this time of year.

  • Plan Your Next Vacation

    I’ll be honest, planning my next vacation is usually a February thing for me. But I’ll do it in January if the winter blues really get to me early. Researching warm places and then booking tickets to those warm places really helps get me through the winter. Maybe it’ll help you too. Plus, there’s the added bonus of having something to look forward to.

  • Pick Up a Winter Sport

    Everybody I know who spends their winters either skiing or snowboarding absolutely love the winter. And you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun.

  • Cook Some Comforting Meals

    The one thing I genuinely like about January is that we are in the heart of soup and stew season. Your comfort meal of choice doesn’t have to be soup, but the cold is a great excuse to eat your favorite comfort meal more than you normally might.

  • Start a Gratitude Journal

    When it’s so cold out and I feel like I’m stuck inside, I like to spend some time writing down all the things I’m grateful for. That especially include the sun and summertime 🙂 but honestly, feeling stuck is the best time to practice gratitude for the people and things you do currently have. It makes the winter feel a little less blue when I can see on paper just how full my life is, even in the freezing cold.

  • Spend Time With Friends

    This one feels kind of obvious, but connecting with loved ones always makes the time go faster and warms the soul. Have a movie night, try a new restaurant, or just hang out.

  • Go to the Spa

    If you don’t mind splurging on yourself a bit, book some time at the spa. Get a massage and use the sauna. It’s a great time for rest and relaxation, after the bustle of the holidays. So go recharge, you deserve it.

Sign Up For The JRZ-I-P Newsletter

Your connection to the music and entertainment news you want and, the community information you need, plus exclusive games and contests.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Tags