Oh, January. The month that feels like it has 74 days, even though everyone else says 60 days. Every year, it drags on, leaving us wondering if February will ever come. But why does January always feel like such a marathon? There are answers and yes, it is more than just the post-December blues.

1. The December Hangover (Literally and Figuratively)

Starting with the obvious. December is a vibe. It is all about parties, jollof rice, and spending (sometimes more than we planned). Then January hits, and suddenly, we are faced with reality: bank alerts, an empty fridge, and the crushing weight of our New Year’s resolutions. Funnily, the contrast is jarring. One minute you are shouting, “DJ, play my song!” at the club, and the next, you are Googling how to meal prep with ₦1,000. No wonder the month feels like an eternity.

2. Salary Wahala

If you are a salary earner, January feels extra long because for most people, December’s pay often comes early, leaving you broke before the month even begins. Those 31 days between payday and the next alert? Torture. By mid-January, you are rationing toothpaste and saying “next week” to anyone who asks for money.

3. Resolutions Are Hard

January is also when we put ourselves under immense pressure. We swear we will hit the gym, save money, or start that side hustle, but by Day 10, we are already cheating on our goals. The guilt makes the days feel even longer. Have you ever tried to eat clean for a week in January? I have and it feels like a month all by itself.

4. The Weather Does Not Help

In some parts of the world, January is cold, dark, and gloomy. Here in Africa, especially Nigeria, it is harmattan season—dry lips, dusty roads, and that annoying dryness that leaves your skin looking ashy. It is not exactly inspiring. Plus, everyone is too tired, busy or broke to plan fun activities, so the days just crawl by.

5. There Is No Break in Sight

Unlike December, which has holidays and festivities, January has no relief. It is just work, bills, and adulting. The next big holiday feels so far away that every day seems to stretch longer than the last.

6. The Psychological Factor

Here is the “science-y” part. When you are looking forward to something, time seems to speed up. But when you are dragging through the daily grind with no end in sight, time slows down. January feels long because we are hyper-aware of every single day, counting down to payday, February, or just a break from the whole struggle.

If January feels like a marathon, here are some tips to make it less exhausting:

Budget Wisely: Avoid overspending in December so January does not catch you off guard. (Easier said than done. I know because according to KudaMFB, I did most of my spendings last year in December).

Celebrate Small Wins: Reward yourself for sticking to your resolutions, even if it is just for a week.

Plan Fun Activities: Break up the monotony with movie nights, picnics, or hanging out with friends—cheap and cheerful is the way to go.

Take It Easy: Do not beat yourself up if your resolutions are slow to start. There is a whole year ahead to make progress.

All said, the bright and optimistic side of this is that January does not last forever. Eventually, the month ends, February arrives, and life starts to feel a little lighter. So, hang in there. Before you know it, we will all be saying, “Wow, the year is flying by!” But until then, embrace the slowness. Rest and remind yourself that you have survived every January so far and this is yet another one for the books.