What Mood is January? Awareness, Acceptance, and Action

By Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Founder & Clinical Director, Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.

Posted: January 15, 2026

The Weight of January

January has a mood all its own. The holiday lights are packed away, the festive cheer has faded, and what remains is the long, cold stretch of winter. For many, January feels heavy.

Financial pressures are often sharper this time of year. The bills from December arrive, alongside the reality of rising costs and tight budgets. The days are short, the darkness lingers, and the warmth of holiday connection can quickly give way to isolation.

Parents, caregivers, and employees juggling multiple responsibilities often feel this strain most acutely. The emotional high of December shifts into the grind of January—and it can feel endless.

The Challenge of the Post-Holiday Season

January is a time when:

• Finances feel strained after the holidays

• Routines return and responsibilities pile up

• The weather isolates us, with long, dark, cold days

• Mental health dips, especially for those vulnerable to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

• Grief resurfaces, when loved ones are missing from holiday celebrations

The combination can leave people feeling powerless, hopeless, or stuck. But within that heaviness lies the invitation to pause and reflect.

Awareness, Acceptance, and Action

One way to navigate January’s difficult mood is through the framework of Awareness, Acceptance, and Action.

Awareness

The first step is noticing honestly where we are. Awareness means acknowledging the challenges of this season, the pressures we feel, and the emotions that rise with them. It is about telling ourselves the truth without judgment: This is hard. I feel drained. I’m struggling.

Acceptance

Acceptance does not mean giving up—it means releasing the shame that often comes with struggle. When we accept what is, we stop fighting reality and start finding ways to work with it. Acceptance says: I cannot control the weather, the bills, or everything on my plate. But I can control how I respond.

Action

Once we have awareness and acceptance, we can take small steps forward. Action doesn’t have to be big or overwhelming. It might look like practicing mindfulness for 5 minutes a day, reaching out to a trusted friend, setting one financial boundary, or simply getting outside for fresh air. Small actions compound over time to shift mood and build resilience.

Finding Light in the Darkness

Even in January, there are ways to invite moments of light, connection, and peace:

• Practice mindfulness to create space between thoughts and reactions

• Stay connected with supportive people instead of isolating

• Prioritize small joys like warm drinks, cozy blankets, or creative hobbies

• Move your body, even with gentle stretches or short walks

• Give yourself compassion—you are doing your best in a difficult season

Final Thoughts

January may feel heavy, but it is also an opportunity for reset. By practicing awareness, acceptance, and action, we can move from powerless to empowered, one step at a time.

You don’t need to transform your life overnight. You simply need to notice where you are, accept what you cannot control, and take one mindful action toward what you can.

The mood of January may be challenging, but it does not define you. With support, intention, and compassion, brighter days will come.

Sign-Off

Holding space for your January struggles and your January strength,

Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Founder & Clinical Director

Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.