Quite literally as the clock struck twelve on January 4th the whole nation fell into a deep depression. Face book status’ quickly changed from New Year cheers and resolution making to a simple groan of “Back to work” followed by several sad smiles. The January blues hit all of us every year regardless of our age. For the young, it’s back to that dreaded word school, and the month and a half running up to the February half term sure is a long stretch – not (what I’d do to be young again). For the university students, from what I remember it’s the worst month of them all – a whole December of boozing, socialising and constant sleeping is then rudely awakened with a huge slap in the face from Mr Exams and Mrs Assignments because its then that they suddenly realise they’re not on a 12 month holiday. Of course they then go back to months of boozing, socialising and constant sleeping but they have to endure January first.
Then there’s the rest of the nation, the full timers. Unless you’re one of those liars who say they really enjoy work, it’s quite literally the most depressing day of the year. When the alarm goes on that first cold, dark morning back to work, you could tell me David Beckham was waiting for me at the office, topless, wanting to wish me a Happy New Year – with the kiss, and I would still pull the duvet cover over my face and attempt to throw my bedside lamp at you.
But this January, I refuse to be blue. Instead I intend to be a bright shade of happy yellow. Its unbelievable how quickly the transformation from festive joy and merriment descends to pure misery and gloom and I’ve come to the conclusion that it can be avoided.
Being the festive fairy I am, I know that when it’s all over and the Christmas decorations come down we all look back and focus on how much fun it’s all been - stuffing our faces with chocolates, cheese and pastry, drinking our merry heads away with mulled wine, and best of all, not having to set an alarm. It’s no wonder we’re all depressed when the Christmas wall is knocked down only to reveal what was a once ‘curvy’ body is now pure wobble, the drinking detox begins and that dreaded alarm is turned back on. But if you ignore all those memories and look forward you’ll find it’s actually not that bad.
The best part about the New Year is deciding how you’re going to make it the best year yet, and then progressing to ensure you stick to your word. Holidays are my favourite past time so for me it’s planning trips and time away, and most importantly ensuring they’re staggered throughout the year to avoid that long gap of nothingness. Next, stop moaning that its cold – during December we all revel in the winter weather; we buy chunky knit jumpers, go on winter walks followed by an afternoon in the pub and then go home to put the fire on. But just because the Christmas season is over, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy it. Put on your wellies, buy a quirky umbrella and splash around in the rain. And finally most importantly of all save some money to get you through it – if I had a £1 for the amount of times I hear “I can’t this month I’m skint” – well let me tell you I certainly wouldn’t be. They say money can’t buy you happiness, but come on we all know it does, especially at desperate times like these. So start saving for January, even if it’s a small amount, I bet it’ll put a smile on your face when your able to go for that detox facial or you can cure that depression with a January mini break.
I’m determined that every January I’ll make it my New Year’s resolution to turn the January blues, yellow. Just as the Christmas misery starts to show his face I celebrate a Birthday – January 3rd, so not only am I left with national misery at my feet, I also have to deal with the fact I’m growing older, not to mention the fact everyone is all celebrated out and feels psychically drained at the very idea of having to endure another night on the tiles. If I can do it, anyone can, and I intend to make it my annual mission for years to come.
xx<3xx
