January is like embarking on a journey through what feels like the 99 longest days of the year, almost as if time slows down to test our resilience. To make the most of this challenging month, I have some practical tips and a holistic approach but firstly let’s take a look at why January feels so unending.
This perception of elongated time can be attributed to the ‘dopamine clock hypothesis.’ Research has shown that our perception of time is affected by the level of dopamine (a feel-good hormone) released in our bodies par time. High levels of dopamine = fast internal clock, Low levels of dopamine = slow internal clock.
Let me explain- In December, filled with activities, parties, and joyous events, dopamine release is at its peak, making time feel fleeting, (lol time flies when you are having fun). In contrast, January brings a screeching halt in dopamine, ushering us back to routine life with bills, resolutions, and work. The shift brings tension, fear, and boredom, creating a sense of time dragging as we navigate the post-festivity period.
I believe there are three different phases in January:
Phase 1– January blues! None of us are strangers to this. That is a period for a transient form of sadness or a slight dip in mood that sets in after the end of the festive season, marking the conclusion of the lively Detty December and the return to everyday realities.
Phase 2– The New Year resolution ‘hype’. With a new year comes a “sense of renewal, it activates hope and expectations for what we hope to achieve going forward However, the influx of New Year resolutions on social media, while inspiring, can also be perceived as both annoying and motivational.
Stage 3- Money Hang-over! This hits as the aftermath of December’s flex, brokenness becomes apparent. You were feeling generosity with gifts, having elaborate parties, eating out and now almost all your bills have piled. The financial stress!
Tips:
- Prepare ahead– By reading this article you are halfway there. Let the nostalgia from last year’s January guide your financial decisions this December. Plan and budget for January expenses before getting caught up in the festive atmosphere, maintaining a cash buffer to prevent a financial hangover. Capitalise on holiday sales and bulk purchases to stay well-stocked in January. Practice mindful spending.
- New Year resolutions or maybe not– I love New Year resolutions, If you do too then set new goals you can actually measure. New Year’s resolutions are often based on guilt, meaning they’re either totally impossible or vague enough to slip off the radar (allow adjustments to resolutions that may not be working effectively). If the ‘New Year, New Me’ slogan doesn’t resonate with you, consider reflecting on lessons learned in the past year to enhance the upcoming one. I, for instance in 2023 learned to set healthy and strict boundaries with regards to black tax.
- Consider embarking on a 21-day Daniel fast! – I know, I know! Hear me out first na! Fasting has numerous benefits, P.S you will be in good company as many churches and individuals are embarking on fasts this time of year. Since I’m trying to sell you on this particular tip, I’ll outline three advantages to entice you:
- Detox: what better time to eliminate post-December indulgences?
- Save cost: adopting a diet based on fruits and vegetables proves to be budget-friendly.
- Mental and spiritual rejuvenation, need I say more?
- Get healthy – The best time for you to start was yesterday but you can start in January. Whether you want to go all out with a strict diet, or you just want to cut back on junk food and or alcohol – nutritional changes like this will make all the difference when it comes to your well-being. Exercise is also a great way to boost your mood as well. Lol, you can make the summer boy your motivation to start.
- Work up some excitement for yourself – January can be dull and a hard time to navigate mentally for a lot of people. To counteract this, consider igniting excitement by planning your summer holiday early in the year—whether it’s a major getaway, a weekend staycation or a city break with friends. This proactive planning enables better budgeting and saving for the upcoming trip. Additionally, incorporating new enjoyable activities and eliminating disliked ones can contribute to an increase in dopamine levels, fostering a more positive mental state.
- Be kind to yourself: Remember, January is just one month, and it’s a great opportunity to set a positive tone for the rest of the year however, from excessive self-criticism, and instead, slow down to re-strategize. If social media is taking a toll, disconnect from devices and focus on real-life experiences. Address lingering January blues by exploring deeper feelings—whether related to career satisfaction, social engagement, or neglected hobbies—and align with your authentic self by listening to your internal needs.
Cheers to surviving the 99 days of January.
