January Wrap-Up: Surviving (And Thriving) Through The Bleakest Month

Ah, January - the month that feels like an entire year crammed into 31 days. The festive buzz has gone, our bank accounts are crying, and somehow, it’s still dark at 4pm. If you’ve made it through without Googling “How to hibernate until Spring”, congratulations - you’re officially stronger than most.

But don’t worry. We’re here to lift your spirits (and your motivation). We talked to three brave souls from our team who not only survived January, but thrived in it. Here’s how they did it:

Adrianna, Senior PR & Social Manager

January’s rough, isn’t it? The holidays are over, it’s grey, and everything feels like it’s in slow motion. But there are a few things that make it a bit more bearable (aside from watching The Traitors on repeat).

For starters, move your body. I tried hot pilates recently, and it’s oddly addictive. Whether it’s that, yoga, or even just stretching in your living room, getting active really helps boost your serotonin. Plus, it’s a good excuse to get out of the house after work.

Next, get into the kitchen. I’ve been trying out some new recipes, and it’s surprisingly satisfying. Nothing fancy, just simple stuff like a big pot of soup or a solid pasta dish. Cooking something from scratch feels like a small win and beats relying on takeaways.

Finally, fresh air. Even if it’s cold, a quick walk can work wonders on your serotonin levels. A little daylight or a crisp winter sunset can lift your mood and make you feel less like a sloth.

Tobi, Customer Experience

Embrace Hygge (or create cosy vibes). Make your home a cosy sanctuary. Light some candles, pile up blankets, and settle in with warm drinks. The Danish concept of hygge is about creating comfort in the cold, so take full advantage of it.

Stay active - if you're feeling sluggish, start with light exercises. Even a walk around the block or gentle stretching can help keep the winter blues at bay. It gets your body moving and can also help with seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Maximise daylight. If you’re in a place that’s dark a lot, try to get outside during daylight hours - even if it’s just for a few minutes. A light therapy box can also help boost your mood if you're prone to feeling low in the darker months.

Plan something to look forward to each week. It doesn’t have to be big - think favourite meals, movie nights, or even a weekend quick getaway (even just to a nearby town). These small bursts of joy break up the monotony and keep things exciting.

Manage your sleep. Winter can throw off your energy levels, so be mindful of your sleep routine. Ensure you’re getting enough rest and sticking to a consistent bedtime - it can make all the difference in your mood and energy.

Organize (but don’t go overboard). The classic “new year, new you” urge can be tempting, but start small. Tackle a drawer, or organize a corner. A little decluttering can give your mind the refresh it needs without overwhelming you.

Rob, Product Manager

Investing in an electric blanket: Watching movies has never been cosier. Within five minutes, I’m toasty warm without worrying about central heating bills. It’s been a small but impactful upgrade to my evenings.

Prioritising Better Sleep Habits: I’ve made a conscious effort to stop eating close to bedtime, head to bed early (think 9 PM), and put my phone away in advance. The results? My sleep tracking has hit an all-time high. I’m waking up feeling rested and ready for the day.

Hit the Pool: While the thought of swimming in January might seem unappealing, the upside is that the pools are practically empty. No need to battle for lane space. Plus, it’s a fantastic low-impact exercise to keep moving without stressing my body.

Bring on February

January might be the Monday of the year, but we’ve made it through - together! Whether you’ve been bribing yourself with treats, hibernating in blankets, tackling Dry Jan or escaping to sunnier places, know that brighter days are on the horizon. And if you're still riding the winter slump, remember: February is basically January’s more tolerable cousin.

Have any survival tips for thriving this February? Share them with the community - we could all use a little extra support!