How to get through January 'unscathed'

January, often referred to as 'Njaanuary' locally, comes with its fair share of pressure and uncertainty.

If you overindulged at the end of the year, you aren’t alone. Christmas and New Year’s festivities that come with overeating, drinking and spending are common in a month branded “Drinkcember” but all good things must come to an end.

After making merry throughout December, January comes knocking. Be it school fees, rent or insurance renewal.

If not planned, January pretty much feels like 48 consecutive Mondays.

You can never avoid January but should probably figure out a way to deal with the blues instead of complaining.

Here are six tips to help you make it through this month.

Kick start your resolutions

Though a New Year resolution sounds cliché, good saving habits are key to making a new year better.

You don’t have to give up something completely in order to save money, it can make the process of saving feel like a total drag.

For example, alcohol is expensive, even when you drink at home, so giving it up for a month can mean big savings.

Get busy in the gym

The start of a new year means new beginnings for those who are just starting their journey to fitness.

Starting a training routine can be hard work, requiring a lot of time and effort. However, the best tip to carry through this time is; when it comes to seeking body fitness, a larger component of change is diet.

There is no better time to start a healthier routine than in January.

Prepare affordable meals

There are a ton of tasty, easy, and cheap meals you can make at home with very few ingredients and not much time.

For example, Ugali, vegetables and eggs have a fine balance of nutrients and are not as expensive. Such meals will help you go through January blues unscratched.

Packed lunch to work

When it comes to buying food on a workday, lunch is usually most people’s largest expense. Consider the cost of the popular lunch items when purchased from delis or supermarkets.

While making your own lunch requires extra time and effort it is relatively quick to put together before you leave for work in the morning.

Using a matatu to work

More people are using public transportation today than ever before.

You will potentially be able to save a lot of money over the course of the month.

If you live in the city, public transportation is a great way to save a good deal of money.

Stick to your budget

It is advisable that you come up with a realistic budget and stick to it.

You had fun during Christmas and New Year but you have to go through the 48 days of January.