The January Slump

Ah, winter. Post-holidays, all you have to offer are cold weather, icy roads which lead to a longer commute, endlessly gray days and building enough time into my morning routine to scrape and de-thaw my car before I drive it. 

via Boring Pittsburgh | seriously, this is how the new year wants to greet me?

Barf.

I don't know about you all, but January is the worst month of the year for me. I always joke that I'm in need of a sun lamp because I am just straight miserable during the winter, but especially in January. I mean, a lot of it is due to my own hang-ups. Take New Year's Resolutions and goals, for instance: I like instant gratification and the ability to see results, but really, all of my/our goals are a process - most of which that will likely take the entire year. I know I sound like a brat who wants what she wants right now and I won't say that's wrong - it's just that while I'm looking forward to all that 2015 has to bring, I'm also just in a weird twiddling-my-thumbs place. 

In the same vein, January can also be a little overwhelming to some. All of the New Year, New Me ideals floating around, articles instructing you to take the time to purge and clean and re-organize and DO ALL OF THE THINGS. It's like geez oh man, the year just started, can I have a minute? 

One of my far-off-future goals is to plan a little vacation for Jon and I in January, a post-holidays de-stress and a pre-year re-energize. That's fun to dream about, for sure, and will definitely be a bright spot to look forward to. . .even if post-vacation depression rears its ugly head - take the good with the bad, am I right?

So, knowing this general ickiness is coming during these dark (figuratively and literally, if you will) days and nights, I'm trying to be proactive about it. 

First and foremost: I'm going to throw myself into my work. I spent a lot of December, especially those weird in between days at the end, re-arranging, decorating and organizing my office. I put a lot of effort into creating a space that makes me happy. 

personal photo | view of my wall from my seat at work. With the help of two co-workers, I made and put up these colorful polka dots! 

I had my performance management review with my boss late in Pittsburgh. It was incredibly positive and encouraging, which is a huge motivator. She also mentioned specific things to work on in 2015, like connecting our business to our events (as opposed to chalking everything up to 'engagement'). I want to spend some time brainstorming that as well as brainstorming potential new events (a huge part of my job that was created solely because of my previous experience). 

In addition, I have a To-Do list taped to my desk which I update each week. Admittedly, there are items on there that could have been accomplished, but I've been pushing them off for no real reason. I'd like to bang those suckers out if for no other reason than to get them off of my plate and to feel accomplished.

Lastly, I know that a lot of things were in a weird, suspended state the last few weeks of the year due to the holidays (a combination of great benefits and a multitude of lifers results in the place being all but empty during December). There are various projects that I am a part of that are going to be picking up pace soon and I want to be ready for them, in a both mental and time-and-effort sense. 

Honestly, I know myself: if I give myself the space and ability to dick around enough at work, the days are going to feel twice as long and icky. Sure, breaks are nice, but who wants to feel unaccomplished and useless every single day? Actually, just writing all of that has me kind of hyped up: I thrive on busy times, when multiple things are going on and I'm involved in all of them. My Insights profile states: "She values fast action and doing many things at once." Totally true and now I am super ready for the work week. 

Second: I'm going to start my healthy eating and living habits. I'm a sucker for the Power of Mondays, the appeal of a clean and fresh start speaks to me. As of today, I'm sticking to my planned meals and have created a workout regime for myself as well. This one is also energizing because it holds the potential for results on the sooner rather than later side of the spectrum. Plus, honestly, I am just so tired of feeling like crap, especially after a weekend of sickness. More to come on this one. . .

Third: I've made social plans. My friends tease me about how far in advance that I plan things - I mean, my birthday is March 20th (coincidentally, the first day of Spring) and I've already got it on lock (and am itching to send an email about it but am holding back for a little bit longer, at least). This is especially important for me to do in January, though, because otherwise I just know I will let myself fall into a funk and get even more miserable - simultaneously unwilling to change out of my sweatpants and become human but bemoaning a lack of a life. 

personal photo | Zuzu as a Couch Potato. . .aka what I could be like in January, left to my own devices.

Jon and I will be heading to our hometown (somewhat of a chore, if we're being honest: our hometown has a lot of negative memories, for me, and brings out a side of me I don't care for but a lot of our loved ones are there and we've both decided to make more of an effort to spend time with them) halfway through the month for a fun family midnight bowling event. I also have movie plans (dying to see Into the Woods), a belated birthday dinner/celebration with a girlfriend, a to-be-determined birthday celebration with another girlfriend, potential birthday fesvities for a guy friend as well as a Date Night (!) that Jon and I have decided to institute as a monthly thing. There was also talk of a Game Night with some friends floating around at one point. I'm big on relationships and interactions so all of these things will keep me from retreating into myself - and, bonus! Most of these things are gift-cardable, pre-planned and/or on the cheapish side, so they fit well within our monthly budget - thereby helping our Get Our Shit Together: Finances goal. 

Lastly: I'm going to make the best of the free time that I do have. There are a lot of things I want to accomplish, around our house and for myself. I mentioned that one of my resolutions/goals is to clean, organize and de-clutter our closets and cabinets. I was able to finish my closet (you guys: it feels SO GOOD. It took me maybe an hour and not only is everything is in its color-coordinated place, but all items that haven't been worn are in a garbage bag waiting to find a new home via Goodwill) and Jon did some of our kitchen cupboards. We still have his, our hall and coat closets as well as a few more cupboards and the pantry. 

via YoungHouseLove | I'm drooling you guys - being able to see everything in its place?!

I'm also going to spend some serious QT in my reading nook. I have books that I want to read and a doable-but-daunting goal to hit. Why not take advantage of the time and settle in to read instead of reading in-between other plans or before bed? 

As silly as it may sound, I already feel better having written all this - it's so great to be able to put thoughts into words and give them life. By actively thinking and writing out what I'm going to do to avoid The Slump, I feel like I'm already over it. Whatever, January, you aren't winning this round. 

via

How about you guys: do you fear the January Slump? Any methods you enact to keep from feeling down?