Whether it’s breaking your record of how many nights in a row you can club, or discovering a new part of Edinburgh, as look as you get out there and do something, your January will set the path for an awesome year ahead.
1. Get involved!
You only get one Fresher’s Week – or so the story goes. Luckily for you there’s a second chance in life at almost everything, including Fresher’s! So if you missed out on starting the year with a bang in September then make up for it now! Get off the side-lines and get on the pitch! It’s time for Re-Fresher’s Week. Once again there’s a multitude of madness to choose from, whether it’s joining a society or just joining the queue for P-Row. You’ll never beat the January blues just sitting at home on your couch, so dive into the Re-Fresher’s party and start 2016 as you mean to go on.
2. Burn’s Night.
You might not be in Bonnie Scotland forever, so make the most of this January Blues antidote. Burn’s Night is the celebration of Rabbie Burns, arguably the greatest Scottish poet to have ever lived. This is one of the biggest nights of the Scottish calendar, and a great way to have a good time this January. Haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as poetry recitations and a good old ceilidh are all must-haves on the 25th of January. Burn’s Night festivities go on all over Edinburgh University, from the halls of Teviot to the celebrations of many societies. So no excuses – either grab your old mates or get out and make some new ones – Burn’s Night has got to be celebrated.
3. Become a fitness fanatic!
Okay, well maybe that’s a step too far, but a bit of exercise will definitely help you fend off the blues this January. Although university is a time where a trip to the gym is more often than not swapped for a trip to Dominoes, this can sometimes affect our mood more than we are aware. Going to the gym, going for a run, or joining in on a class releases loads of endorphins guaranteed to boost your mood. Need some motivation? The Meadows Marathon is coming up – grab a training partner, get on the roads and train up. You can do a 5k, 10k or a half or full marathon! Get your runners on – exercise is the key to happiness. Even if you do only run as far as the nearest McDonalds!
4. Go on a date.
Date night is calling – and no watching Take Me Out on your couch does not count! Get out there in the real world and have some fun. Whether it be with your latest Tinder conquest, the boy or girl you’ve had a crush on for ages or even your friendly reliable flatmate, go for a nice dinner and a pint. There’s nothing more exciting than dressing up and going out for a bit of grub. It’s also a good opportunity to have a catch up, maybe you should take out a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Beating the January blues one burger at a time!
5. Hit the Sales!
January blues do bring one good thing with them – and that is the sales. There’s masses of discounts to be had this time of year as the shops settle down after the hectic Christmas period. It’s a great time to get rid of that student loan that’s been cluttering up your bank account. Although spending yourself into the oblivion of your overdraft won’t cure the January blues, there is no denying the happiness a good bargain can bring! Even if you don’t find anything you’re after, walking down Princes’ Street at sunset never fails to bring a smile to my face.
6. Denial
If none of the above manage to cure your case of the blues, then I’m afraid the only thing to do is to pretend it’s not January. Get on a plane, train or automobile and get some Vitamin D. If worst comes to worst – hop on the sunbeds and or fake it ‘til you make it.
Image: Flicker <Mike Norton>