Why January Lasts Forever

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that January 2024 has lasted longer than the entirety of 2023. I refuse to believe that I celebrated New Years, spent a week in New York, created a 90+ slide presentation, read seven books, and it’s just now the end of the month. This got me thinking — is there any science to this? Or is it just seasonal depression? Turns out it’s a lovely little mixture of both.

January in Chicago is often cold and gloomy and gray. We rarely see the sunshine, and even though the days are technically getting longer, the sun still sets before 5pm. Seasonal Affective Disorder is in the fullest of swings. Besides the gorgeous weather (please sense the heavy sarcasm here), January offers a bit of societal 180 from the previous month. In December, many take time off for the holiday season. We’re “circling back in the New Year.” There’s tangible excitement in the air with parties and presents and celebrations to look forward to. Then January comes along with little to look forward to — just an onslaught of messages about changing every component of your life with New Year’s resolutions. Our perception of time is scientifically skewed. It should come as no surprise that 31 days later, we’re beyond over it.

After a month of intense news headlines, work deadlines, and personal adventures, I’m admittedly exhausted. Don’t get me wrong, a part of me has loved having “more” time to spend with friends, with family, with books, and with myself. But something needs to change next month, or I’ll be staring down a bit of burnout. Thankfully, there’s a bit more in the Google calendar next month to keep me going.

Thinks I’m Looking Forward to in February

• More sunshine

• More sleep

• Building a routine that includes working out regularly

• Journaling daily

• Finishing the ACOTAR series

• Galentine’s Day

• Seeing my old Tier One gals

• A thorough closet cleanout

• Spotify Daylists

• Casey Baldus’ Annual Super Bowl Party

• Leap Day

I still have grand plans for the year ahead. I just need a nap first.

P.s. One of my 2024 goals is to share something here at least once a month. Month one and we made it with two hours to spare by rambling about warped time perception, so who knows what's next in store. See you in February🫡