Why January Feels Heavy. Your Cat Can Help.

Understanding and navigating the new year’s blues

January feels heavy. Every year end, no matter how I try to fight it, New Year melancholia seeps into my heart and stays for a few days.  I reflect on the past and miss loved ones and times gone by.  I am an optimistic person by nature, so this bit of sadness creeping in feels unfamiliar, like my heart and stomach are being squeezed.

 This is not a recent development, I remember feeling the blues as a child and even going to bed early so not to be fully aware of saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new one. The non-stop year in review round ups are to be avoided.

Why 64% of us experience the New year’s blues

Does January feel heavy? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that 64% of us experience some form of the “New Year’s Blues.”

But why does a season filled with celebration, sparkle and hope so often leave us feeling flat or overwhelmed? And more importantly- what can we do to move through this with kindness toward ourselves?

Why the New Year’s Blues Happen

Emotional Whiplash After the Holidays

The holidays tend to come with nonstop activity. Family gatherings travel, planning, cooking, spending, social obligations. When January arrives, life suddenly becomes quiet again. This contrast can feel harsh, even lonely. January feels heavy.

Pressure to “Start Fresh”

New Year’s resolutions can be motivating, but they often pile on unrealistic expectations. Declutter everything! Lose weight! Be more productive! Become a whole new person! With this messaging, it’s no wonder many of us feel stressed or inadequate before the year even begins.

The Letdown Effect

After a period of anticipation and excitement, our nervous system naturally comes back down. The “letdown” can cause low mood, irritability, and fatigue-similar to what people feel after vacations or big events.

Financial or Family Stress

Holiday spending, family dynamics, and lingering to-dos can weigh heavily once the glitter has settled.

Seasonal Darkness

For many in northern climates, January is cold, gray, and short of sunlight. Lower light exposure can distrupt mood-regulating hormones, contributing to the blues.

I do not watch the ball drop in Times Square and instead watch Netflix or read through the midnight hour.  This effort to keep the new year away is futile, I know, yet I persist. Somehow, when the sun rises and it is January 1, everything seems to be a little better.

How to Navigate the New year’s blues. Cats can help!

There are gentle strategies that an help:

Ease into the Year- Don’t Sprint

Forget the pressure of a “perfect start” Give yourself permission to take January slowly. A year is long. There’s no deadline for improvement.

Swap out those resolutions for gentle intentions, such as:

• I will take better care of myself this year
• I will make room for more joy.
• I will try to be present and enjoy the moments.

Reconnect With Your Routine

Our brains love predictability and routine. So does your cat! Let’s try to be more like our little family members. Returning to simple rythms like a morning walk, a regular bedtime, a cozy cut of tea will help restore emotional balance after the holiday chaos. And the quite times sitting with your cat always help us feel better!

Get Some Light!

Even 10-15 minutes outdoors can lift your mood! If you live somewhere dark, consider a light therapy lamp. If you are like me, consider this the snuggle season with your kitty. Tuck in with a warm blanket and a book.

Add something to look forward to in your schedule

January doesn’t have to feel empty. Plan some small events that make you happy.

• A movie night
• A dinner with a friend
• A new book
• A creative project
• A cozy day with your cat!

Be careful with “All or Nothing” Thinking

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life on January 1st. Progress is made in tiny, compassionate steps.

St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, said, ” True progress quietly and persistently moves along without notice. Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Normalize Rest

Your mind and body may be recovering from an overstimulating December. Rest isn’t laziness- its recalibration.

Stay Connected

Reach out to someone you trust. A quick text, call or visit can break the isolation that often fuels the blues.

Practice Self-Compassion

Talk to yourself the way you would talk to someone you love. Softness goes further than self- criticism ever will. Think of the way to talk to your cat with love and admiration.

When the Blues Feel Bigger

It is normal to feel a seasonal emotional dip. But if you’re experiencing:

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest in things you enjoy
• Major changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty functioning
• Or your feelings last more than a few weeks.

It may be worth checking in with a healthcare professional. There is zero shame in seeking support.

A New Year Doesn’t Require a New You

The New Year’s Blues are common, deeply human and navibable. Instead of pushing yourself to feel inspired, energized, or ready on January 1st, try meeting yourself exactly where you are- with compassion, curiosity, and patience.

The truth is you don’t need a total transformation to have a meaningful year. Just keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

Instead of Resolutions Make a promise to care

This year instead of making resolutions, and hiding from the new year,  our New Year’s wish is that more people will care for all animals, big and small.  We wish those who are indifferent to the plight of our wild cats, will open their hearts and minds to see we are all needed to make a difference.  African lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, mountain lions and all wild cats need us now more than ever. I wish people would care.

Small Actions Can make a difference

Helping  big and small cats can be as simple as starting a discussion with a friend or family member.  You might be surprised to learn that many people are unaware of the risk of extinction facing wild cats. For those of us connected to conservation projects, this seems impossible, but I ask you during this coming year to bring up the topic of big cat conservation, whether it is how the Lion Guardians are making a difference, Panthera’s Tiger Project, Cheetah Conservation Fund’s  Guarding Dog Project, the Mountain Lion Foundation, or any other project for which you are passionate.  Throw in some discussion about elephants, bears and frogs too!!

Promote Adopt Don’t Shop To Help Shelter Cats

You can also promote adopt don’t shop to help shelter cats find forever homes.  Or discuss the importance of caring for feral cats and what each of us can do to help. Donate time to a shelter or drop off much needed supplies.

New Year’s Wish For more Wildlife Warriors

This New Year’s Eve instead of feeling anxious, I will focus on feeling excited to think we will have more wildlife warriors discussing how we can all help protect our animals. If January feels heavy, I will take time to cuddle with our cats.

If we all begin a discussion, and if we could all melt just one cold heart, together that is a lot of hearts that could join us in helping save our wildlife.

Remember, small paws united make a big difference.  Thank you for caring for all animals big and small.

We wish you peace in the new year.