The Christmas tree is packed away, the fairy lights go dark and seasonal sweets disappear from bakery windows. On the calendar, the first days of January are circled in red, marking a symbolic new beginning that arrives with a mix of emotions and expectations for the year ahead.
Yet for many, January feels endless. From post-holiday letdown to the pressure of New Year’s resolutions, a range of psychological and environmental factors contribute to the sense that time is moving more slowly than usual.
After a December filled with social outings, family gatherings and celebrations, January can feel like an abrupt return to a demanding routine. Decorations and festive cheer give way to darker, colder days, often creating a feeling of emptiness that weighs on mental wellbeing.
This transition is challenging for many people, as expectations of joy and social connection collide with everyday reality. The absence of major events and the onset of monotony can intensify the perception that days drag on.
The pressure of New Year’s resolutions
The start of the year is traditionally linked to setting personal goals and resolutions. While these ambitions may be positive in the long term, they can also become a source of stress when progress feels slow or unattainable.
Pressure to improve health, work performance or personal relationships can make January feel restrictive and overwhelming. The gap between high expectations and daily challenges often leads to frustration and dissatisfaction, reinforcing the impression of a month that seems to stretch on.
Weather and mood
In many parts of the world, January is cold and dark, conditions that can significantly affect mood. Limited sunlight is associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can cause symptoms such as low mood, fatigue and irritability.
These conditions often lead people to stay indoors and limit social interaction, further deepening the sense of stagnation and slowing the perceived passage of time.
Post-holiday financial stress
After the excesses of the festive season, January is also a month when many people face financial strain. Accumulated bills and the need to readjust budgets can heighten anxiety.
This added pressure affects emotional wellbeing and can make each day feel heavier and longer, reinforcing the widespread feeling that January lasts far longer than any other month.
