Is it my imagination or is January going waaay more slowly than usual? I swear it feels like it’s been on for at least a month now, but no, there are another whole two weeks to go. Maybe it’s getting older but I really notice the January bleaks in a way I didn’t a few years ago. The only good thing is that everybody (at least on this side of the world) goes through the misery of it together and there’s something cosy in that.

Anyway. This time of year is all about cheering yourself up in cunning and ideally cost-effective ways. Here are 5 little things that are brightening my January:

1) Baths

Not an original one, but really, can you go wrong in a hot bath? No. I rarely have baths except at this time of the year, so when it comes to bath stuff so I prefer to buy something expensive that will last. (I love my rationalising). My dream product would be Laura Mercier Crème Brulee, but I’m ‘making do’ with the Rose and Pomegranate Bath Oil from Neals Yard. It smells gorgeous and leaves your skin very soft. Oh: and also on baths, I got a voucher in last week’s Stylist magazine that gives you £3 off the Sanctuary Salt Scrub in Boots this week. WINNING. Go through the recycling and find yours now.

2) Jigsaw

I love jigsaws. Don’t laugh. I first got hooked on this one when I got out of hospital last year and it was ideal therapy. This one has kept me going for nearly two weeks so far – pretty good for £11.95. I will pore over it for hours at a time, which A thinks is tragic/endearing. It’s really hard, honestly. But satisfying.

3) The Mindy Project.

I LOVE The Mindy Project. I put it on and I know that for 25 minutes or however long it lasts, I’m going to be completely happy. It’s overtaken New Girl as my favourite – NG doesn’t make me laugh the way it used to but Mindy does. Also, I love the décor of Mindy’s office and apartment – it’s gorgeous and colourful and I want to live in it, with her. Her book, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?, is also great.

4) ‘Show A Little Faith’ poster from The Indoor Type

I just ordered this off Etsy for inspiration in my office. I’m sure typographic posters will soon go the way of Keep Calm posters, but whatever, I like this a lot. It’s a line from one of my favourite Bruce Springsteen songs, Thunder Road. The next line is ‘You ain’t a beauty, but hey, you’re all right’. That’s a January sort of compliment if ever I heard one, but hey, thanks Bruce, we’ll take what we can get.

5) Running

These are the exact Adidas runners I have, but mine are dirtier.

I’ve been sort of having a 70 % success rate on all my New Years Resolutions so far … except running where I’m at 100%. I’ve been out 4 times a week without fail. I rarely ever want to do it … but then when I’m doing it, I do always enjoy it, and it’s GREAT when it stops. Sort of like January itself.

Anyone else have tips for brightening up January? Also, what the @£$@£ are we going to do about February?