Beating the January Blues: Finding Positivity in Rural Living

January often brings an almost irresistible urge to hibernate. The gloomy days seem to invite us to retreat and reflect, sparking existential musings about the meaning of life — sometimes our own, but not always.

Living in a deeply rural area, I’m surrounded by natural tranquillity and open space, a privilege I cherish despite the limited municipal resources compared to urban settings. The internet provides ample intellectual stimulation, but real-world activities can feel restricted.

One surprising local discovery has been the gymnasium at my nearby gendarmerie. Many gendarmerie barracks across France open their gyms to the public, a concept that’s hard to imagine in a British context. While the process of registering my vehicle and navigating the premises was initially daunting — not least because of the tank decoratively parked on their pristine lawn — I’ve found it to be a welcoming and well-equipped facility.

Beyond this newfound fitness option, my rural surroundings continue to inspire. Recent crisp winter mornings have treated me to breathtaking sunrises and starry night skies.

 Walks often lead to sightings of deer, herons, and raptors — a reminder of nature's beauty, even in the coldest months. For some stunning photography showing some very local wildlife, I would really recommend taking a look at the instagram account @un_pied_devant_soi.

The account is by a photographer, Fabien Dupouy, in the same village as me, and it’s his photo of Cranes in the image above.

On the home front, the solar panels we installed a year ago combined with a heat pump are proving their worth, powering our central heating during this chilly but sunny spell. It's immensely satisfying to see the panels generating enough energy for the house and my studio — everything feels a little brighter when the sun shines, doesn’t it?

As for New Year’s resolutions, do they work? I remain sceptical. Waiting for a specific date to change your habits feels arbitrary. I believe that whenever inspiration strikes is the perfect time to act. For now, my January goal is simple: to maintain an optimistic outlook. Amid global challenges, I’m focusing on small joys and positivity in everyday life, and also appreciating that January is nearly over!

How are you embracing the new year?