The Science Behind Why January Feels Never-Ending — and How to Survive It

While January is just one of the 31-day months on the calendar, it often feels like it lasts far longer than others. After the excitement of the holidays, the first month of the year can feel like an eternity. From its gloomy weather to the pressure of a new year, January's slow pace has become something of a shared cultural experience, often joked about on social media. But why does this month drag for so many? Experts have a few explanations.

After the joy of the holidays, many people experience a sense of emotional depletion. According to clinical psychologist Chloe Carmichael, the dopamine highs of gift-giving and celebrations can create a post-holiday slump. "It feels like someone pulled the emotional rug out from under us," she says, as we move away from the festive highs.

• Dealing with Holiday Debt - Another reality that makes January tough is the financial strain many face after overspending during the holidays. Carmichael explains that this can leave people feeling anxious about their finances, further contributing to the sense of a "long month."
• Returning to Routines - After the relaxed holiday season, returning to the grind of everyday routines can feel jarring, especially if those routines weren’t fulfilling to begin with. Clinical psychologist Pauline Wallin points out that it’s easy to feel stuck in the day-to-day grind, making the days feel longer.
• New Year, New Pressures - January is also the start of a new year, which brings its own set of pressures. People often reflect on their past year’s accomplishments or lack thereof, and the need to set resolutions can add to the weight of expectations.
• Focusing on the Tough Stuff - Wallin notes that when we’re feeling uncomfortable, anxious, or bored, we tend to focus more on the discomfort, which can stretch out our perception of time. January, with its tough moments, becomes a month that we just want to end.

What Can You Do About It?

There are ways to alleviate the January blues and make the month pass more smoothly.

• Plan Fun Activities - While it’s common to focus on resolutions, it's also important to schedule things that are fun and exciting. Wallin suggests planning activities that you enjoy, like taking a class or picking up a hobby. Carmichael adds that even a weekend getaway can help provide a much-needed break and reset for the year ahead.
• Make Your Healthy Start Enjoyable - Rather than seeing healthy resolutions as a chore, treat yourself to something enjoyable. Carmichael suggests splurging on things like personal training, massages, or even a cooking class. This can transform the pressure of a fresh start into an opportunity for growth.
• Prioritize Rest and Sleep - The post-holiday exhaustion can leave people mentally and physically drained. Carmichael emphasizes the importance of rest. “Sleep acts like defragmenting a hard drive,” she explains. Taking time to rest and recharge can help your brain organize itself and rejuvenate your energy levels.
• Remind Yourself the Month Will End - Sometimes, just reminding yourself that January is a temporary phase can make the days seem shorter. If you find that none of these strategies help and the struggle persists, it may be time to seek professional help.
• Seek Help if Needed - For some, the winter blues may be more serious than a temporary slump. Wallin recommends seeking a professional if the feelings of sadness or discomfort stretch beyond what’s typical for the season. "If you can't shake the funk, it may be a sign of depression or seasonal affective disorder," she says. A professional can help determine if there’s something more at play.

By understanding the reasons behind January’s drag and taking proactive steps to cope, the month might not seem so long after all.

Source: Yahoo!