Reasons to be Cheerful this January

Not everyone begins the new year on a high note. While January may seem bleak with its cold temperatures and bare landscapes, fear not! There are still some inspiring and uplifting aspects of the natural world that often go unnoticed. Here are some reasons to find cheer and inspiration in January.

1. Lengthening Days

Even though it may not be immediately apparent, January marks the beginning of the gradual lengthening of daylight hours. Daylight increases incrementally, promising the return of longer, sunlit days and providing a tangible sign of the changing seasons. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours can positively impact our mood by influencing the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone.

Summit of Ill Bell poking out of valley mist over Kentmere Fells, as seen from summit of Red Screes at dawn, Lake District, Cumbria, UK, January 2022.

Silver birch (Betula pendula) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trunks in snow, Muritz-National Park, Germany, January.

2. Winter Wildlife

Many animals are adapted to winter conditions and remain active even in the colder months. Winter landscapes, with their bare branches and whitened backdrops, can make animals easier to spot. At this time of year, certain birds assemble in such remarkable numbers that their gatherings could be described as one of the year’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Meanwhile, garden birds will readily visit feeders during the winter months, when natural foods are in short supply.

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes japonica) in snowy landscape, Sarabetsu village, Hokkaido. Japan, January.

Snow geese (Anser caerulescens) flock taking flight from pond at dawn, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA. January.

Starling murmuration, hundreds of thousands of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) gather in the skies near their night time roost. Gretna Green, Scotland, January. Black and White Category Winner, Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009. Non-ex.

Brown hare (Lepus europaeus) adult running in wintery landscape. Derbyshire, UK, January.

Great tit (Parus major) at feeder, Parus major, Bavaria, Germany. January

3. Night Skies

January is a fantastic month to observe the cosmos, as longer and clearer nights provide more opportunity to spot celestial wonders overhead. The crisp air and lack of humidity can result in stunning, sharp views of the stars and constellations, allowing for an awe-inspiring connection with the cosmos. In 2024, the January night sky has a multitude of delights in store, kicking off with a meteor shower between January 3-4. Throughout the month, Jupiter will be visible and will form a close conjunction with the moon on 18 January. In northern latitudes, January is a great time for observing the aurora borealis, and the Pleiades star cluster, which is most prominent at this time of year. Finally, watch out for the first full moon on of the year on January 25^th!

Hoodoo cap sandstone rock formations with milky way above and meteor shower, Escalante canyon walls, Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument , Utah, USA, October.

Jupiter and the Moon in conjunction, on the night of 21 January 2013.

Aurora borealis and the milk way across the night sky over snow-covered mountains, Lakselvbukt, Troms, Norway. January, 2019..

Aurora borealis across the night sky over the Lyngen alps, Troms, Norway. January, 2019.

Pleiades or Seven Sisters (Messier 45 aka M45) in Taurus Constellation, taken from Eastern Colorado, USA. 8 November 2015.

Full moon over mountain peak, viewed from Naustholmen, Nordland, Norway. May, 2023.

Oak tree (Quercus robur) silhouetted against night sky with stars, Brecon Beacons National Park, Wales, UK. December

4. Subtle Signs of Life

While it may seem like everything is dormant, many plants and animals are starting to wake up during winter. Plant buds may start to swell, and certain early bloomers might even begin to flower. Animals leave tracks in the snow. Observing these signs can provide a sense of hope and renewal.

Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) twig showing swelling buds in mid-winter. Dorset, UK, January.

Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) buds pushing up through woodland leaf litter. Dorset, UK. January.

Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) foot prints in snow, Cairngorms National Park, Highlands, Scotland, UK, January.

5. Winter Landscapes

While winter may give the impression of lifelessness, its landscapes can be incredibly beautiful. The purity of fresh snowfall, the sparkle of sunlight on icy surfaces, and the intricate elegance of frost formations all contribute to an enchanting natural environment. The quiet and stillness of winter offers a different kind of beauty that is unique to this season.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees in snowy woodland in evening sunlight, Potsdam, Germany, January.

Frost covered European beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) in a snow covered field framed by frosty branches, Calonda, Harghita County, Transylvania, Romania, January.

RF - Frosty and misty winter sunrise from Pilsdon Pen, looking across Marshwood Vale.
Dorset, UK. January.
(This image may be licensed either as rights managed or royalty free)

Beech woodland in hoar frost, Cranborne Chase, Dorset, England, UK. January

Hoarfrost covering the landscape on a cold winter day. Klaebu, Sor-Trondelag, Norway, January.

6. Mindfulness and Reflection

The stillness of winter provides an opportunity for quiet reflection and contemplation. The hushed, peaceful atmosphere can be a source of mental clarity and a connection of the cyclical nature of life—a reminder that, like nature, we too experience seasons of change.

Small island with a pine tree in the first rays of sunlight on a misty morning, Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen reserve, Oisterwijk, The Netherlands, January.

Hedge parsley (Torilis japonica) at sunset, silhouetted against sun, England, January.

Ice crystals forming on window, Jyvaskya, Keski-Suomi, Lansi- ja Sisa-Suomi / Central and Western Finland, Finland. January

7. Setting Positive Intentions

Starting the year by connecting with nature can be a way to set positive intentions for the months ahead. Whether it’s through outdoor activities or simply taking mindful walks, the natural world can serve as a source of motivation for the year ahead. By taking the time to observe and appreciate aspects of the natural world, even in the midst of winter, one can find inspiration, hope, and a deeper connection to the ever-changing beauty of the environment.

Couple walking on beach at sunset, UK, January

Great tit (Parus major) in flight at sunset, Norfolk, UK. January.

In summary

Paying attention to the subtle wonders of the natural world in January, actively engaging with outdoor activities, and fostering a connection to the changing seasons can significantly contribute to combating the “winter blues”. Nature provides a powerful antidote to the challenges of the season, invigorating both body and mind.