13 reasons to be happy in January

Christmas has passed and spring seems months away, but there is joy to be had in January. We conducted a quick poll of the team to find out what makes them feel cheery at this seemingly bleak time of year...

1. It's getting lighter

The winter solstice on 21 December is weeks behind us, meaning that every single day is getting noticeably lighter.

Although this is particularly excellent news for SAD sufferers, the rest of us benefit too: more daylight also means that it's easier to get out of the bed in the morning and soak up some vital Vitamin D. If the sun actually comes out, that is.

2. Dry January (or not)

Forget the implications of Dry January as a penance for an overindulgent Christmas, a metaphorical self-flagellation for excess at New Year's Eve. Instead, see it as a treat for your body and mind.

You will lose weight, improve your energy levels, sleep better and have clearer skin and shinier hair if you stay away from the bottle for a mere 31 days.

And a new study shows that those who partake in Dry January drink less over the following six months, too. Alternatively, if the idea of a January detox makes you want to roll your eyes, pubs and restaurants will be significantly quieter so you'll be able to find a table with more ease.

3. You don't have to socialise anymore

This is the one month of the year when it is not only acceptable to refuse all social engagements, but considered poor form to make them in the first place.

Cosy suppers and evenings spent with a pile of books or DVDs are de rigueur until February. Raucous pub sessions and intimidating dinner parties are less commonplace, but if you're missing socialising, invite a couple of friends round for a warming hotpot of some description.

4. The sales

There is no better time to stock up than the January sales. Whether it's clothes, homeware or books you're after, this is the time of year to score an excellent bargain.

Also, it's the time of year when lots of restaurants offer great deals; for example, the Thai chain Busaba will serve a 99p menu on Blue Monday (Monday 16 January) and 25 per cent off all food for the rest of the menu.

5. Cultural offerings

From Netflix's long-awaited A Series of Unfortunate Events to Tom Hardy's Taboo, there's plenty to look forward to on the box this month.

6. Cold walks

Granted, walks are less fun when it's raining; but wrapping up warm and heading out on those crisp, frosty days when the sun is shining is guaranteed to lift your spirits.

7. Winter clothes

Talking of wrapping up, sometimes there's nothing more cheering than pulling on your cosiest jumper, or finally having the opportunity to wear your new gloves or wool hat. Boots are always a comfort too, and one that we sorely miss come summer.

8. This is the best time of year for film

With Awards Season on its way, there is a whole plethora of fantastic new films about to be released. It's the perfect time to see what all the fuss about: from Natalie Portman's much-talked-about performance in Jackie, to Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in La La Land; as well as Michelle Williams in Manchester by the Sea.

9. Decluttering

Don't just think of January as a time to detox your body; it's the perfect time to detox your life, too. Having a good spring clean not only makes you feel more productive, but also helps to organise and focus your mind for the year ahead (while making space for all those aforementioned January-sales purchases).

In fact, make some money out of it and sell your unwanted wares online or do a good deed and take it all to your local charity shop; you'll feel so much better for it.

10. It's the best time to book holidays

Rarely are flights as cheap as they are in January, so check out BA and Virgin for a relatively inexpensive fast-track to sunshine-drenched beaches and exotic locales.

11. Spring flowers

The early daffodils are already out and acting as a reminder that spring is on its way. We recommend filling your house with white spring blooms – like paperwhites and hyacinths – and planting bulbs in pots (particularly those with a strong scent) ready for the new season.

Look out for snowdrops, which are usually the first to flower. It'll be here before you know it.

12. January is the best time to look for a new job

January is the time of year when most big decision-makers are in the office, and also when companies get new hiring budgets.

Furthermore, a lot of people decide over Christmas that they want to change jobs, so there's more movement in the recruitment area. Seize the opportunity and send over your CV now.