If you’ve ever looked at the calendar on January 12th and whispered, “Ah-ah, why are we still in January?”, you’re not alone. January is that month that behaves like a stubborn tenant refusing to leave even after their rent has expired. Salaries vanish faster than the harmattan breeze.
But why does January feel like 78 days long? And more importantly, how do we make it feel like the standard 31?
What makes January 78 days long?
The Detty December Hangover
December in Nigeria is an Olympic sport. Weddings, concerts, beach parties, owambes, you name it. You spend freely throughout December, and then January arrives with the calm, unyielding scrutiny of an audit officer.
Psychologically, when we transition from high-stimulation periods (like December) to a calmer, task-heavy period (January), the brain perceives time as dragging. Dopamine drops. Responsibilities rise. And suddenly, January starts giving 78-day energy.
Salary Paralysis
Most people collect their salary on December 20th, only to realize they have 42 days until the next one drops. Behavioral economists call this the extended financial gap perception. Nigerians call it “my sister, this month no dey finish.”
When money is low, your brain becomes hyper-aware of time. Days stretch. Weeks expand.
How to Compress January Back to 31 Days: A Practical Guide
The “December-January” Single Budget
Allocate 60% of festive funds to December spending. Lock 40% in a non-touchable account labeled “January Survival Fund.” This covers January’s predictable shocks and creates psychological safety.
Create a 21-Day Financial Fast
It is not starvation. It is intentional spending.
Pick 3 rules:
No impulse buying
No “urgent 2k” distribution
No new subscription until a current one expires
Your pocket and your January will thank you.
Reduce “Financial Anxiety Scrolling”
Nothing makes January longer than checking bank apps every 6 hours. Your balance is not a live football match.
Final Thought: January Is Not the Enemy
It’s just the month that forces us to confront the financial stories we wrote in December.
But with a little behavioral nudge and a lot of financial realism, you can shrink January back to its rightful 31 days instead of the legendary 78.
And if all else fails, just remember:
February is coming with a salary inside.
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