Iyanda Ahmed@Ahmed

January is often considered as the longest month of the year, despite having just 31 days, the same for many others. This is based on the fact that people tend to overspend during the festive period.  While December also has 31 days, it’s filled with a stream of events, celebrations, and moments to anticipate and then recover from.

Although January, being known as the “longest” month of the year, many people  joke on social media about it having “60 days”, mabe because people have had extra expenditure due to Christmas and new year. During this period, many who havent seen their families for a very long time come together, some  attend get together, picnics, sightseeing, among many other reasons.

January, on the other hand, is just work. And that ultimately seems to be why January feels so slow.  The amount of fun you’re having seems to be the strongest indicator of whether time feels like it’s moving quickly or dragging on. When January starts, many people often find themselves with “so much month’ left at the end of the money.

Here may be the reasons why January is considered the longest month

Financial Struggles after December spendings

The financial aftermath of the holiday season contributes to people’s belief that January is the longest month.  During this time, it is common for people to spend big on events. Some travel to their villages and organize a party all in the name of celebration.

Many people overspend in December, and by January, they are left dealing with tight budgets and credit card bills.  By January, important bills like school fees, rent, electricity and others are due. Financial stress can heighten feelings of anxiety and make time feel like it’s crawling. This financial stress makes January feel much longer than it actually is.

The Post-Holiday Blues 

December is filled with celebrations, vacations, and visitations, creating a sharp contrast with January. The festive lights are packed away, the holiday spirit fades, and people return to their regular routines. These activities boost a chemical in the brain called dopamine, which makes us feel happy and satisfied. 

This sudden shift from joy and relaxation to discipline and responsibility can make the days feel slower and less exciting. When January arrives, the festive excitement fades, and everyday routines resume. This abrupt shift can leave people feeling down or exhausted. The contrast between December’s lively celebrations and January’s calm predictability can make the days seem longer and less fulfilling.

New Year, New Goals

The beginning of a new year is such a hopeful time. Whether we break out an unblemished calendar or merely scroll over to the month of January, there’s sometimes the sense of being given a fresh start every January 1st. We make notes, wishes and even set goals or new year resolutions either mentally or on paper, which we are determined to accomplish. The initial excitement often gives way to the realization that meaningful change is slow and requires sustained effort. The focus on long-term goals can make the month feel never-ending.

Reflecting on what wasn’t achieved in the past year and worrying about meeting new goals can create stress. This pressure to succeed can make each day of January feel longer and harder.

The Harmattan Blues

In Nigeria, January is considered as one of the coldest months of the year. Short days, long nights, and lack of sunlight keeps people indoors.  The bleak weather and limited outdoor activities can make time feel slow. For many, this only reinforces the feeling that January seems to drag on endlessly.