January is that weird month for everyone: either people are still recovering from Christmas or they’re trying to make big New Year resolutions that probably won’t even stick. Despite these obstacles, January can be one of the most magical months, if you allow it. It’s a fresh start from everything that went on the previous year, giving you a chance to reset your goals, your mindset, and maybe even your wardrobe for the new year to come. 

For a lot of students at Woodford County High school, January feels like a clean slate. The stress from last semester is behind you, and even though winter is freezing, snow is pouring, and the days are shorter, there is something exciting about a fresh start, knowing you can start clean or maybe just trying to do better than last semester. 

On the other hand, January can also feel like one of the most stressful months. Some people are focused on being the top of there class or being better than the next person. It’s easy to get caught up in all of it. That’s why it’s important to take your time and not overwhelm yourself with unrealistic standards that surround  you. You’re not behind just because someone else looks like they have it all together–you’re just going at two different paces.

The trick is balance. Make a few realistic goals for yourself, like eating healthier, getting more sleep, focusing on your grades, or getting better at that sport you’re playing. A student at Woodford, A student at WCHS Jalynn Holman, states “I’ve made many realistic goals for myself, some being my grades I need to get up this year. I know that’s a goal that I can achieve and that’s not out of reach”. That being said, you also have to remember to let yourself enjoy little things in your life. Go hang out with friends, watch your favorite team play, or just take some time to rest and re-charge. January isn’t just about starting over, it’s about enjoying the process of getting better. 

So if January has got you feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, just take a breath and think, this month doesn’t have to be all about resolutions or pressure. It can be about small wins and figuring out what really matters to you this year