Dance in the dark! Hang upside down! 50 ways to escape a January fun rut

‘The dark evenings mean I can use my blacklight and UV hula hoop and have myself a party!’ Illustration: Fabio Buonocore at Synergy/The Guardian

1. January is the worst month to go on a diet, give up drink and read the classics. I nibble leftover Christmas cake, sip prosecco and reread the cosiest, easiest books: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler and the whole of The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Jacqueline Wilson, author

2. To escape the fun rut, I’ve been sending myself love notes every morning. I write something kind or funny, or draw a picture on a Post-it, then stick it to the bathroom mirror before bed. I forget it’s there and am always surprised in the morning. It’s like sharing a secret with myself. Saima Mir, writer