Top tips to survive January

January. It's possibly the most depressing month of the year. A time when the festive highs of Christmas are over, the weather is dismal, and it can be a real struggle to find the will to do much at all. 

I'm here to say - that's OK. It can be a shite month. 

Here's some off the wall suggestions to distract yourself from the misery. Who knows, you might even discover a new hobby.

Look up

I don't know about you, but I've always been fascinated with the stars. And cold, cloudless January nights are perfect for stargazing. You don't even need a telescope (and, after blinding myself looking at Venus through mine, I advise against it).

Star Walk 2 is a real time, free app that allows you to discover what you're squinting at. Before you know it, you'll be out trying to catch a glimpse of the space station. I've seen it just the once a few years back, it scudded across the black sky faster than you'd believe.

Stargazing is a great way to feel connected to the universe.

Give up

Stop doing things you don't bloody like. Think of it as an anti New Years resolution.

Don't have the motivation to go shopping for groceries this week? Order them online. No one's judging, seriously.

Does that WhatsApp group you're in do you any good? Leave it. You don't need to be taking on board other people's drama. 

Belong to a class or organisation that isn't making you feel so great? You know what I'm gonna say! There's no shame in letting go of things that aren't working in your life anymore. Sometimes it's a necessary thing in order to free up time and space to allow better things in.

Wise up

If all else fails and you decide to hibernate in your house for the month with Netflix, you may enjoy a break from bingeing the latest releases.

Want to read something interesting but can't justify buying new books? Check out Project Gutenberg. They've got tons of free books to download, from classics of literature to Chinese history to...Icelandic fairy tales. You're guaranteed to find something weird to immerse yourself in.

Last but not least - light up...your candles!

Self care is super important. Take time for yourself this month, rest up, and recover from the energy-sapping busy-ness of December. Stay warm and cosy, embrace the scent of whatever you have lighting, and put your feet up. It's OK to do nothing.

There's never been a better time for it.