How to boost your wellbeing this January
January can be a month of new beginnings and sticking to resolutions. Fresh starts aside, it’s normal to feel some post-Christmas blues and frustration at the (very!) chilly UK weather. Here are our top tips on how to look after your wellbeing and make sure your January is a feel good month.
See your people
Have a post-holiday meetup with your mates in the social spaces, go to an onsite event or step out together for a fresh walk. Spending time with friends is a guaranteed way to feel good this Jan.
Find your zen
Create some inner calm with your free Headspace Premium subscription. Whether you’re trying mindfulness and meditation for the first time or are a seasoned expert, Headspace have courses for all levels. You can customise the length of sessions too, meaning it’s easy to squeeze some peaceful moments into even the busiest of schedules.
Try yoga
Yoga combines gentle movement and body awareness, which can be very relaxing and grounding. Use your onsite gym or fitness studio to try one of Headspace’s guided yoga videos. Or head for an in-person session at a local studio such as:
- More Yoga - studios across London
- Yoga Republic - Manchester
- Barefoot yoga - Birmingham
- The Kali Collective Yoga Studio - Glasgow
- R1SE Yoga - Sheffield
- The Space to Breathe Yoga and Therapy Centre - Leicester
Get cooking
Flex those chef skills and cook some hearty meals while it’s cold outside. Use iQ SupperClub to find and share your fave recipes. We suggest this wintery soup - it’s the definition of comforting. For a reminder on how to use your induction hob, check this blog.
Set a reading goal
Aim to read a certain number of books this year. Decide on a healthy goal that’s achievable but not too easy, so it keeps you turning pages all year long. iQ BookClub’s free monthly reads will help you reach your target in no time. BookClub’s also a great place to find ideas for what to read next.
Go for a run
Make the most of iQ’s great locations by wrapping up and heading outside for a crisp run. Need some inspiration? Watch this video. If it’s too icy or you’re just not a cold-weather person (we don’t blame you), the iQ onsite gym will be your best friend.
Do something just for fun
Take yourself to do something cute and cosy, like sipping a toasty hot choc in a café, wandering around a museum/gallery or dressing up to go to your local theatre. There’s lots to do in your city, and since you live at iQ, getting there will be your shortest journey.
Brush up on life admin
Has uni not restarted yet? Embrace this extra time to tick off some tasks you’ve not got round to. Set up that student railcard, register for the GP or use the app to plan a big load of laundry.
Remember available support
Our partners Shout and Student Minds offer free support and wellbeing resources for any time you need. You can also familiarise yourself with the support offered by your uni, who may offer things like free counselling or academic allowances.
There’s lots to come this year at iQ, from iQ Clubs giveaways and new Reading Room blogs to fun content and in-person events. 2026 is definitely going to be a year of bests.
