Ask A Psychologist: Why Does January Feel Like It Goes On Forever?

Every year, I hear the same thing: January, colleagues, friends, and family tell me, feels like it lasts for months.

I’ve felt it, too, to be honest. Storm Goretti feels like it was months, not weeks, ago. 

New year? That feels like a year-old memory at this point. 

Not so with August to December, a period I always find rushes past. So why do some months seem to fly faster than others?

Here, we spoke to Dr Philip Clarke, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Derby, about why Long January is so enduring. 

Why does January feel like it lasts so long?

“January often feels unusually long because several psychological and social factors stack together,” Dr Clarke told us.

“The buildup to Christmas moves at lightning speed, weeks packed with anticipation, social plans, novelty, and things to look forward to, and then, almost overnight, it all drops away.

“You go from that festive momentum straight back into strict routines, and if you’ve launched into a New Year health kick and are already struggling to keep it up, that sense of effort can slow your perception of time even more.” 

Then, there’s the relentlessly grim, dark weather and post-holiday blues, which can make our days seem uniform and flat, he said.

“For many people, reduced daylight also triggers symptoms linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder, which can lower mood and further slow the feeling of time passing.

“Add in the extended gap between December’s early pay and January’s payday, plus the cultural narrative that the month ‘never ends,’ and it’s no surprise our brains lean into the idea that January drags on far more than most months.” 

So... how can I survive long January? 

To start with, Dr Clarke said, thinking too much about long January can make it worse.

“When a month feels endless, zooming out makes it worse. Focus on the next 48 hours instead, what small things can make that window more purposeful, enjoyable, or grounding,” he advised. 

Additionally, “Novelty is one of the quickest ways to shift your sense of time. Try listening to a new podcast, reading a book, seeing a show, or visiting a café with friends. Small intentional changes break the monotony that makes January feel slow”. 

Lastly, he said, going outside, even for a short amount of time, can help. 

“A tiny dose of daylight can change the tone of your whole day,” the psychologist ended.

“A five-minute walk outside, a breath of cold air, a moment of sky, gives your brain a reset that lifts mood and eases that stuck-in-doors feeling.”