January is tough and mean and scary, and that's all there is to it. It frightens even the strongest of us and sends shivers down the spines of even the biggest of dogs. But it doesn't have to be...
With a few very simple ploys, you can trick yourself into surviving the first month of the calendar year - or dare we say, enjoying it?
Well, at the very least you'll be preoccupied in the process...
Slice up the fruit of your choice - anything from strawberries, to oranges, to lemons to apples to watermelon, and put them into your water bottle. It gets more water in, and is like you're very own, sugarless, cordial.
Also works unbelievably well with cucumber.
This is for those of you (all of us) who packed on the pounds (stones) during the festive fortnight (month), because cumin is known to help you shed weight quicker than its spicier counterparts.
Perhaps mix it into some hummus, sprinkle over your lunch or throw it into some soup. Easy peasy. Or else, y'know, eat it with a spoon...
And/or runners in the car, so that you have no excuse whatsoever. Or better still...
And you're only allowed to remove it when you hit your target weight.
Maybe get your eyebrows done, binge watch a TV show or go for a pint with a pal. You've saved upwards of €30 anyway, you deserve it.
We, as humans, are programmed to love list taking and checking off completed tasks - so how about marking down your deadly progress on paper?
Whether you're counting days off cigarettes, number of books read or days without swearing - it's encouraging and motivating to see these things in real life as opposed to the sleepy, disorientated land that is your January head.
And track your calorie intake and the like. MyFitnessPal is great, it helps you keep on track with a handy scanner - which shows you exactly what's in your food. Best part of all? It's free.
You're never off your phone anyway, may as well be for something other than Facebook stalking.
Whether it's fivers, tenners or €20 notes (let's be real, we're not going to do it with €50s) put them all aside for the month and you'll be amazed by how much you've saved by the end of it.
Water charges are real, people.
Brush your teeth in there too, if you're feeling dangerous.
For those frosty mornings when your car windows are in a hoop. Quick, effective and will not have you late for work.
Not, not Yoga...
Bear in mind, when food shopping, that the cheaper items are both higher and lower than eye level. Do a quick lunge next time you're browsing and notice the difference at the cash register.
..with Vicks.
For those of you suffering with a cough after Christmas, slick a little Vicks onto the soles of your feet and put big socks on over them. Your cough will disappear shortly after.
It relieves stress and anxiety, keeps your energy levels up top and increases your metabolic flow. Also it's delicious af. Right on.
READ NEXT: The Best Netflix Shows For Binge Watching Your Way Through The January Blues.
