If you turned up to work today announcing that you simply cannot believe you're only on day three, of the first working week, of the first working month, of the entire year – read on...
There's little to look forward to in January. And don't we all know it. Even those who have a birthday in this midwinter (miserable) month, seem to derive little pleasure from it. Because, rather unfortunately, after all the drinking, eating and expense of December, who has the appetite, the thirst or the finances for further celebration?
And then there's the detox we're trying to stick to. That new exercise regime. The weather to contend with. General greyness everywhere, and in the very faces of everyone... slides off office chair into heap on the floor
Yes, January is a tough month to get through. Which is why we thought we'd list some helpful thoughts to lift your spirits (if only momentarily):
1. No workout lasts forever
Even with a PT yelling in your ear: '100, 99, 98...', which seems like the longest 100 seconds in the world, it is, after all, just over a minute and a half. (And if you envisage tweaking their nose as they SHOUT, it goes all the more quickly.)
2. Not going out and drinking saves you money
Little consolation, but true nonetheless.
3. Airline sales are on – book that summer holiday
And book the time off work too, ahead of all the Eagertons who usually get in there first.
4. Today all Christmas decorations will be taken down - you'll forget it ever happened
Too cruel seeing those jolly Christmas lights still twinkling...
5. It's another whole year before you have to face Uncle Geoffrey's 'jokes', the office Christmas party and Brussels sprouts
A great relief.
6. January is the best month for dating (apparently)
New year, new you, new relationship. Lots of people have this mentality. So say Dating Apps.
7. If you were at school you'd probably be having exams right now
Remember them, shudder, and look at the office with newfound appreciation: it's not against the law for you to leave.
8. If you stray from the sacred path of sobriety, you'll be the envy of many
They won't say it, but lemongrass tea has nothing on SHOTS.
9. We're all in it together
Even your boss is loathing it.
10. Decided not to detox? Chillax
Can you imagine Kate Moss saying: "I chow a teaspoon of goji berries first thing, pop off for a 10-mile run and then arrive home to a refreshing glass of almond milk and a raisin"?
11. As of today, we're half-way through the first working week of 2016
Small mercies.
12. Catch-up on telly... all the telly
There are SO many really great boxsets out there, you can't have seen them all. **Scandal? The Affair? Homeland? Mad Men? And let's not forget the new 'first' episodes you might have missed: War & Peace, Deutschland 83, Beowulf... Save £££ and catch-up.
13. Things will go back to normal shortly
Time out of the office gives senior management figures time to think. Weirdly, they feel something must come of this 'thinking time', and so often arrive back full of 'new' ideas – ideas about reshuffling, and procedure, and the tightening-up of lax rules...
Trust that by February, it'll all go back to normal. These things pretty much always do.
14.Someone wins the lottery in January
It could be you.
15. If nothing else, remember this saying of the sage Oscar Wilde
'Everything in moderation... including moderation'.
READ MORE: How to survive the first back at work after Christmas