With the new year comes a never-ending list of possibilities, and January is the perfect time to get creative and start off the year right. Whether you’re looking for something to do as a couple, with friends, or just by yourself, there are plenty of exciting activities that can help you make the most out of this month. From exploring local attractions to taking on personal projects, here are five things you should try this January!
Get outside
When the weather outside is frightful, it can be tempting to hunker down indoors. But there are plenty of reasons to get outside this winter. Here are five things to do in January that will make you appreciate the colder months:
1. Go for a hike. There’s nothing like getting some fresh air and exercise to lift your spirits. And what better way to take in the winter scenery than by hitting the trails?
2. Build a snowman. This classic winter activity is fun for all ages. Let your creativity shine as you design the perfect snowman, complete with accessories.
3. Go sledding or tubing. Embrace your inner child and hit the slopes for some sledding or tubing fun. It’s a great way to get outdoors and burn off some energy.
4. Take a nature walk. Slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature with a leisurely stroll through your local park or forest preserve. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife that are active in wintertime.
5. Have a picnic lunch. If you’re tired of being cooped up inside, pack up a picnic lunch and head outdoors for a change of scenery. Find a secluded spot where you can enjoy your meal in peace and quiet surrounded by nature
Make a plan
Making a plan for the year ahead is a great way to start off the new year on the right foot. Here are five things you can do in January to get your planning started:
1. Set some goals. What do you want to achieve this year? Write down your goals and make a plan for how you’re going to achieve them.
2. Review your finances. Take a look at your income and expenses, set a budget, and make sure you’re on track to reach your financial goals.
3. Get organized. Create a system for organizing your papers, files, and belongings so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
4. Make a schedule. Whether it’s for work, school, or your personal life, having a schedule will help you make the most of your time and stay on top of your commitments.
5. Plan for fun! Don’t forget to schedule in some time for relaxation and enjoyment! Make sure you have plenty of activities planned that you’ll actually look forward to doing.
Break a bad habit
Bad habits can be difficult to break, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Here are five tips to help you break a bad habit:
1. Identify your triggers.
What situation or feeling causes you to engage in your bad habit? Once you identify your triggers, you can begin to avoid them or plan for how to deal with them in a different way.
2. Understand why you do it.
There is usually a reason why we engage in bad habits, even if we don’t realize it. What need or want are you trying to satisfy with your bad habit? Once you understand the motivation behind your behavior, you can begin to find other ways to meet that need.
3. Set a goal and make a plan.
If you’re not sure where to start, set a goal of reducing the frequency of your bad habit. For example, if you smoke cigarettes, set a goal of smoking only half as many per day. Then, make a plan for how you will reach that goal. Consider what steps you need to take and what resources you need in order to succeed.
4. Get support from others.
Quitting a bad habit is often easier when we have the support of others. Talk to your friends and family about your goals and ask for their help in holding you accountable. You may also want to consider joining a support group or seeing a therapist who can help you through the
Learn something new
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to learn something new, there are plenty of opportunities to do so in January. Here are five suggestions:
1. Enroll in an online course or MOOC: With the start of a new year, many universities and organizations offer free or discounted online courses. Check out Coursera, edX, or Udemy for options.
2. Join a meetup group: There are meetup groups for just about everything these days – from cooking and gardening to photography and social justice. Joining a group can help you make new friends and learn more about a hobby or topic you’re interested in.
3. Pick up a new book: Whether you want to get lost in a fiction novel or learn more about history, picking up a book can be a great way to escape the cold winter months and expand your knowledge at the same time. For book recommendations, try Goodreads or your local library’s website.
4. Listen to podcasts: If you commute by public transit or like to listen to something while you work out, podcasts can be a great way to learn something new without taking up too much time. Popular options include TED Talks Daily, Stuff You Should Know, and NPR’s Planet Money podcast.
5. Visit a museum: Museums aren’t just for school field trips – they can be fun (and educational) for adults too! If
Get organized
The start of a new year is the perfect time to get organized. Here are five things you can do in January to get your life in order:
1. Clean out your closet. Get rid of clothes you no longer wear, and organize the ones you keep.
2. Purge your home of clutter. Donate or sell items you don’t need, and tidy up the rest.
3. Set up a budget for the year ahead. Track your spending and make sure you’re staying on track.
4. Get your paperwork in order. Shred old documents, file away important papers, and update your records.
5. Make a plan for the year ahead. Set goals, both personal and professional, and map out how you’ll achieve them.
Give back
January is the perfect time to give back and make a difference in your community. Here are five ways you can get involved:
1. Volunteer at a local shelter or food bank.
2. Collect donations for a coat drive or winter clothing drive.
3. Soup kitchens and food pantries always need volunteers, so see if you can give some of your time to help out.
4. Spread the word about charities or causes you care about, and encourage others to get involved as well.
5. Donate money or goods to a local charity or cause that you support.
January is the perfect time to get out and experience something new. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a cultural trip, or just a cozy evening in your own home, there are plenty of activities to choose from this month. From taking nature walks and trying delicious winter recipes to attending virtual concerts and exploring museums online, January has so much exciting things to offer! So grab your friends (or go solo!) and explore all that this season can give you.