Is everyone you know humble-bragging about their New Year's resolutions to go on a diet/join the gym/learn a language/give up booze? January can be the most tiresome month of the year, not least because everyone you know is trying to reach a goal and attempting to prove, via their social media accounts, that they're living their best lives. Let's face it — we're broke, it's cold, and Summer feels a long way away.
So this January, why not start off the New Year by having some fun, being kind to yourself [1], and focusing on the positives? After all, we've got too much else to worry about. We've come up with 11 ideas for fun, indulgent, enjoyable things you can do to make January a bit less miserable. Forget challenges, chores, and feeling guilty about not achieving unrealistic goals — this is all about making gentle, positive moves towards being more productive, healthy [2], or happy. Pick whichever floats your boat the most — or not. There's no judgement here.
Take a Photograph
You don't need to enrol in a photography course or buy a fancy SLR camera (or even know what that means). Simply snap something interesting, unusual, inspiring, or that makes you smile. And get it printed. Then frame it.
Have a Duvet Day
A duvet day is about as basic as it comes, but it feels surprisingly indulgent. It feels like you've pulled a sickie from school and you've got away with it. Stay in your pyjamas all day. Lounge around. Watch trashy TV. Eat what you want. You don't even need to have a wash if you don't fancy it. Yep, you'll feel like you're bunking off life for the day — and you'll love it.
Watch a Box Set
A box set day is a massive treat for any TV fan. Watch that show you've been meaning to catch up on, or rewatch an old favourite. Do it solo, or get your mates involved. My brother and I once tried to watch a whole series of 24 in one day. We didn't succeed — we passed out on the sofa at about 3 a.m. But it was fun trying, and there was definitely no pressure to actually achieve it — in fact, we knew it'd be impossible, and setting ourselves up for a fail was part of the enjoyment.
Eat All the Cheese, Drink All the Wine
If everyone's on a juice cleanse or detox tea, you can feel very smug hoovering up the last of the Christmas cheese, wine, and chocolates. Perhaps try a little self-restraint so you don't have a food hangover the next day, but certainly don't feel guilty about appreciating the fine (i.e. tasty) things in life.
Spend a Day on Your Own
Hanging out with other people is great and everything, but when was the last time you spent a whole day on your tod? You can go to whichever shops you want to, watch whatever you like on TV, walk as quickly or as slowly as you fancy, and eat wherever (and whenever) takes your fancy. If you usually have to take care of someone else, this will feel particularly indulgent, and you'll really appreciate it.
Phone a Friend
You know that old friend you keep in touch with via text messages, WhatsApp groups, and the occasional email? Can you even remember what their voice sounds like? Sure, distance and circumstance can make it tricky to meet up with our favourites in person, but catching up on the phone is almost as good. You'll make their day, and yours too.
Put Down Your Phone
Once you've made that phone call, put down your phone. You don't have to commit to a full digital detox or anything pressurised and impossible like that. Simply leave it on the side one evening, and feel the relief of not constantly checking your social media accounts and not falling down a cat-in-box video rabbit hole.
Read the Book
You know that book that's been collecting dust on your bedside table? Read it! These kinds of activities all too often get pushed to the bottom of the list, never to actually surface again. Go to bed 10 minutes early and open the first page. Once you're in it, you'll be motivated to make it a regular pleasure.
Try a New Drink
Your friends and colleagues might be taking up intricate new hobbies, but you don't have to go to a wood carving evening class to expand your horizons a bit. If you're not doing Dry January, celebrate by trying a new drink. Ask friends for recommendations, or even the bar staff. You might just discover your new favourite — or have a good story to tell if it makes you cough-hiccup.
Make a Playlist
Curating anything meaningful takes time, and that's usually time we have to spend doing something else (that's less fun). But try to carve out 10 minutes to set up a playlist of your favourite tunes. It will save you time in the long run as you won't have to keep searching for that specific tune. And it'll raise your spirits whenever you listen to it.
Dance Like Nobody's Watching
Put that playlist to good use by blaring it out and dancing like a happy person. Be the change you wish to see in the world, as Gandhi (allegedly) said. A happy, dancing, joyful version of yourself sounds like a pretty good starting point.