It's cold, it's dark and it's miserable. January is the dark cloud of the calendar, casting a bleak shadow over the once glorious joys of the festive season. However, do not succumb to the bleakness it tries to impose. Instead, follow our top tips on how to survive the gloomiest month of all...

1. Drink Tea, and Copious Amounts of It 

Your alarm goes off, it's pitch black outside and it's that cold you can barely venture out of bed. The only glimmer of hope to warm you on this grim January morning is the promise of a comforting cup of tea. A British institution, and with health benefits to justify drinking enough to fill a bath tub, tea is the answer to many of the issues January forces us to face. 

You may have over done it with the alcohol this festive season, but tea will forever be the faithful constant in your life. Swap the bottles of fizz for the brews and keep yourself warm this winter. Check out our Marble Mugs and make sure that you're supping in style this January! 

2. Brave the Weather 

January is notorious for its bitterness, torrential rain and short, dark days. That matched with the long, sad wait for payday doesn't set you in great stead for a buzzing social life. In these circumstances its understandable to hibernate indoors and to binge on very questionable T.V. As appealing as this may be, lack of movement is a definite way to increase the severity of your January blues.

So we say no to lack of social interaction, and no to repetitive, mind numbing TV series! Wrap yourself up, grab your umbrella and get out into the big wide world! Whether it's venturing out to your local art gallery, going to see an old friend or breaking Dry January for a trip to the pub, getting out and about will make January fly by. Shop our Colour Change Umbrella here, and add a bit of colour to your everyday outings!         

3. Discover a New Skill

With each new year comes new resolutions. We've all convinced ourselves we're going to be our very best selves, cutting down on booze, bad food and aiming to attend the gym every single day. We've also seen our old, maybe not so best selves abandon all hope of these unrealistic endeavours, choosing instead to sleep in a little longer and eat that extra chocolate biscuit at lunch. Lets not set ourselves up for failure in this way, instead lets pick up a resolution we can actually stick to...and perhaps even enjoy! 

Find yourself a new hobby for this new year, and see what amazing things you can create! Whether it's journaling, cooking, or taking up embroidery with our Cross Stitch Map, there's so many options for you to discover your new favourite activity. Who knows, maybe this one you'll actually manage to stick to...  

4. Book a Mini Break 

Just because the Christmas is over, doesn't mean that your holidays have to be! Avoid heading back to the office for a little longer and try and get a couple more four day weeks in the calendar this month. Christmas, as great as it is, is hard work. Quite often we feel the need for a holiday after the holiday, and what better time to escape than when the weather is dismal, dreary and a little bit depressing. Whether it be a country escape, spa weekend or a last minute trip over seas, take time for yourself this January to relax and rejuvenate. Explore exotic new places, culture and people and forget about the morning commute. Take pictures, document your experiences throughout 2019 with our Travel Journal, the perfect companion for your last minute getaway!  

5. Look After Yourself!

Self care is a term that's possibly become over used in recent months, but it's the most important way to beat the blues this January. Eat well, stay warm and unwind with a good book, film or friend. Ensure you don't become overwhelmed with the pressure for this year to be your year. Instead take each day as it comes, enjoy the cosiness that comes with the winter months, looking forward to what this year has in store. Who knows what you'll achieve, where you'll be or who you'll meet! That's all part of the fun of it. So put your feet up, stick the kettle on and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've got a full fresh year ahead of you.