The halls have been long un-decked and the Easter candy is already out. Yet, the next holiday feels so far away. The annual January lull has officially set in. 

It’s cold, dark, and there aren’t any holidays to look forward to soon. I call it the January lull. So let’s get right into it: What Would Chelsea Do to overcome this dismal time of the year?

For starters, a new semester has just commenced. This is a perfect opportunity to reset and reorganize. Consider starting a planner if you haven’t already and view this as a fresh start if you weren’t happy with your grades last semester. This could be a great time to utilize new studying techniques, like the Pomodoro method. This method offers a way to be productive while incorporating breaks, perfect to kick off the new semester. 

Of course, this is also the time of year when resolutions are deserted just as quickly as they started. In fact, 64% of all resolutions are abandoned within a month, according to a recent study. If you started this year hoping to get in better shape, like millions of people, take advantage of the gyms emptying out. As other people surrender their yearly fitness hopes, double down on yours. Consider finding a friend to work out with, which might help you stick to your goals. If you aren’t comfortable hitting the gym or being outdoors, there are plenty of online exercise video that can be done right at home! 

One of the biggest issues with this time of year is the cold. I don’t know about you, but I don’t mind the cold if there’s at least some snow to enjoy it with. Unfortunately, we’ve only had one snow this year and it didn’t last very long. The cold dark days definitely don’t lend themselves to quality time outdoors, which forces us inside. A great way to utilize this time is to start early spring cleaning. I know, just like the Easter candy, it feels too early for spring cleaning. But it’s not too early to start now. Chelsea’s best tips: work through one room at a time, start by decluttering and finish with a deep clean (dusting, mopping, etc.). 

As annoying as it may be, the key to overcoming the lull is effort. Working on yourself takes determination. However, it cannot go without saying that curling up with a hot drink and a good Netflix show is also a perfectly acceptable solution to the winter blues. 

Whatever you choose to do until the warm weather returns, find ways to enjoy this winter, and good luck in the new semester!