10 Things To Do In January To Keep Your Sanity

Now that the holidays are over, you might be asking yourself, “now what?” Here's a list of 10 things to do in January that will not only keep you busy, but may even improve your mood!

Now that the holidays are over, and we’re heading into the thick of winter, you might be asking yourself, “now what?” Here’s a list of 10 things to do this month that will keep you sane, busy, and may even improve your mood. (We promise not to say “exercise”!)

10 Things To Do In January To Keep Your Sanity

1  Write thank-you notes. It’s probably the last thing you feel like doing, but if you buy yourself some beautiful notes and a nice pen, it can actually be a therapeutic task. Find a quiet spot and take a moment to thank those who made your holidays special this year. Buy some colored pens and have fun.

2. Visit a dog park. Even if you don’t own a dog, pick a sunny day (bundle up if it’s cold) and head to your local dog park. If you do own a dog, he’ll love it. Watching dogs frolic is very entertaining and doesn’t cost a dime.

Sportswoman in a walk with her dog in a park on chilly weather.

3. Buy yourself (or someone else) some flowers. The supermarket has small, inexpensive bouquets that can really brighten up your desk or someone else’s day. Put a “countdown to spring” calendar nearby.

4. Visit your local library and get a library card. You may think in this digital age, you have no use for a library, but you’d be wrong. Your local library has a lot of great offerings: audiobooks; CDs; you can check out magazines, read the paper, use the computer—all free of charge. And all those books! They’re just waiting for you to check them out (when’s the last time you read a good book?) Ask the librarian for recommendations, check out their reading lists, or connect with friends on Goodreads. Also, check the notices board to see what fun events are going on in your community.

5. Enroll in a Paint Nite or Cooking Class.  A great way to meet new people and create something for your hallway wall, or a new signature dish to impress your friends.

6. Take down and put away your holiday decorations. Just do it.

7. Toss items in your fridge and pantry that are old and/or expired. That includes vitamins and supplements. (Not to be confused with the “sell by” and “use by” dates—learn what they mean here).

8. Binge watch a new series. Ask for recommendations from friends. Better yet, binge an educational series like John Adams or Ken Burns’ Civil War to keep your history knowledge sharp.

9. Ask your bank for a free check register and start keeping track of every dime you spend this year. Say “yes” to printed receipts at every checkout, and log your spending activities at the end of each day. Even if you don’t balance your checkbook each month, or even use checks anymore, this is a great way to start the new year off on the right financial foot.

10. Enroll in an adult education program. There’s usually something for everyone. Investigate a foreign language, take an art class, or learn to play the ukulele. Some classes may even be free. Try something new and meet new people!

Got any more ideas to add to the list? Share them with us on how you plan to stay busy this winter!

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Roxy

Hi! It is so cold here. So I’ll give it a try and sign up to a cooking class. It might not be fun, but I’ll see how far it goes

Susan Higgins

Good luck Roxy! And tune into the Farmers’ Almanac on Facebook, we’ll keep you smiling all month!

free

Thank you so much for this! We are in the planning stages of our flower farm and will get going next spring. We are switching from animals to flowers. I have thought about this subject and decided that i will only be taking vacations between November and January, lol. Maybe I CAN get away a weekend for my sanity. ??

Kat

Great ideas! Do you know what town offices typically offer adult education programs? I would be interested in checking into something like that. Thanks!

Filet Minyon

No, take your Christmas lights down now. Nothing devalues your neighborhood or your house by lights that are still up in August. Do it now!!!!!

Denisa

Try on all my clothes, keep those that fit, ebay the designer things and donate the rest. It seems the less I have, the more I can find! If I haven’t used it in a year, it’s outtA here!!

Kerry M

Winter cleaning. While its cold outside organize the inside. Go through closets, move
around furniture to give a room a new look and feel for a change.

Anita Barney

Number 4 is incomplete and out-of-date! Books on tape?? No – books on CD and downloadable. Free ebooks and e-audiobooks. Many libraries offer free streaming movies and music. We (a small library in western cpConnecticut) even offer free digital magazines. Free computer classes, concert, and movies, along with passes for free or reduced admission to museums and other attractions.

Susan Higgins

Hi Anita Barney, you are correct! I’ve updated the list to add “CDs” but not every library has them in all formats. Keep those ideas coming!

cathy pavlak

If you didn’t entertain over the holidays, start planning a Spring Solstice party for March 20. It will give you and your friends something to look forward to.

susie

Donate items to places like women’s shelters, nursing homes, and homeless shelters ~ call ahead and see if they can use books or magazines, bingo prizes, art and craft items as well as food and clothing. Volunteer your time (if you have any to spare!).

marcia Torci

Thanks, great ideas, I’m going to look up those learn to paint while sipping wine instead of cooking class !! Love farmers almanac !

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