Eight ways to beat the January blues in Cork
Oh the inevitable January blues. As we count down on New Year’s Eve we are launched from bright lights and buzz to dull and dreariness.
Hibernation can seem like the only option to combat the January blues, but it’s the perfect time to get moving and see what 2019 has to offer you. Whether you want to be a tourist in your own city, catch up on some culture, or even just have a laugh, Cork has it all to offer.
Unleash your inner creative
January is the perfect time to hone a new skill and get creative. Whether you put paintbrush to paper in an art class, finally take that photography workshop you’ve been thinking of, or even attend a poetry slam night, it’s a great way to have a productive start to the year and will help you be more creative in your day to day. Everyone is born creative, it’s just up to you to exercise it. Why not check out some of the engaging and affordable classes in the Visions School of Art or get in touch with Virgin Slate, a small group of amateur writers based in Cork who meet once a fortnight and have two weeks to submit a piece of writing on that week’s chosen theme. The writing can use any form and take the theme in any direction you choose.
Have a laugh
One way to shake the blues? In one word – laugh. This January, try out one of Cork’s many comedy clubs and events. It will be a welcomed change from your usual nights out, and a guaranteed laugh. There are a range of shows to suit everyone’s budget. Some we recommend to chuckle over include Fat Chancers: Bernard OShea and Karl Spain at the Everyman and the Comedy Cavern, an alternative Comedy Club located in Coughlans pub on Douglas Street. Another show taking place this month is social media sensation, Giz A Laugh – Enya Martin, who will be performing her madcap comedy sketches in the Everyman at the end of the month.
Spend some time gazing at the stars
We spend so much of our days rushing around in a hurry. This January, why not take some time to simply look up. Those passionate about stargazing say that the pastime is one of the best things you can do for inspiration and enjoyment. Not exactly in the heart of Cork City but worth a visit is Lough Hyne which offers no light pollution and a clear night sky for constellation-spotting. If you want to take your stargazing to the next level, the Cork Astronomy Club arranges a monthly observers group meeting each month next to a good dark site for observing when the sky is clear.
Be well
Another important way to help combat the January blues is to spend some time practicing mindfulness and embracing wellness. You can experiment with this yourself or try a workshop. Practicing mindfulness will help you worry less, and cope with your emotions in a positive way. It can also help you be less self-critical and more productive. It will not only help you cope with the winter woes but is a powerful way to start off the year.
On Saturday 19 January WellComm (the well community festival) in conjunction with Cork Sports Partnership will hold an event will to start a new conversation about people’s health and wellbeing, and to support people to thinking about making positive changes to their life.
Appreciate Cork culture
There are so many wonderful exhibitions and events throughout the year in Cork and a few brilliant ones to specifically explore this January. PRISM: The art and science of light, showcases a fascinating insight into the ways in which light is both visible and invisible in our everyday lives, and how it informs our understanding of ourselves and our communications with others. Another nice one to enjoy is the EARTH, WIND & FIRE: Made in Cork Contemporary exhibition, which showcases six Cork-based contemporary artists.
Be good to yourself
Dark, dreary evenings with less socialising can take their toll on even the most positive of people it’s important, more than any other time of the year, to be good to yourself. This means having some well-earned you time whether that means indulging in a meal with old friends or treating yourself to a leisurely lunch. You deserve some retail therapy (even just window shopping!) or why not go ahead and pamper yourself in one of the city’s best beauty salons.
A like-minded meet-up
In this fantastic city full of wonderful people you are sure to find someone new with interests like your own. Whether you would like to network with professionals in your field or find some friends with similar hobbies, look at websites like Meetup.com where you can find groups meeting up about everything from big-data to books. You could also check out GirlCrew for female friendly meetups from careers and motherhood to nights out and hikes. Go on, why not?
See the city in a new light
How many of Cork City’s top tourist attractions have you enjoyed? Why not designate one day this month to seeing the city through the eyes of a tourist? Take a trip to the Cork City Gaol or stroll up to the top of the Shandon Bells at St Anne’s Church to enjoy reveal 360-degree views of the city. If you want to go all out you could hop on one of the city’s sightseeing buses. Whatever your pick you’ll be wandering around the city you know well with wonder in your eyes.