We don’t know about you, but for us, January is always a bit of a buzz kill. December’s festivities are a distant memory, it looks like the middle of the night when you open your eyes in the morning and then again when you leave work, plus your bank balance has taken such a hit over Christmas that even if you could muster up the motivation to go out, you can’t really afford it!

All is not lost however because we have come up with a list of epic London activities to help you beat those January blues.

Alternative Exercise

The temptation to just stay in bed and hibernate until Spring is strong, even though you know you should be committing yourself to that exercise and diet regime that you resolved to follow when the clock struck midnight and we shuffled into 2022.

But if it’s the thought of a mind numbingly boring treadmill that is putting you off, then perhaps you could try a three-hour introductory swing dance lesson at The Indytute and learn the basics of the six-beat swing, Lindy Hop and the Charleston.

Too kitsch for you? Then try climbing, spinning, swinging, inverting and performing in a pole tricks class at Gymbox, which has various venues across central London.

Another fun alternative to hitting the gym can be found in the form of a HulaHoop. HulaFit runs sessions in Kennington and King's Cross, with HulaFit-trained instructors hosting classes throughout the city. Think hip-swinging, butt-shaking, waist-twisting fun with a weighted hula-hoop, all set to bangers from Britney and Beyoncé

We have also uncovered the ultimate alternative - it’s yoga for divas!

Disco Yoga is a unique yoga class inspired by those who simply want fitness to be fun and uplifting. It’s for disco lovers, yoga aficionados and first timers looking for a new way to unwind and socialise.

These stretching sessions feature a glitter station, confetti cannons and a 70s soundtrack. There’s even a superfood cocktail (with or without booze) included in the ticket price.

Retail Therapy

Yes we know that purse strings are tight at this time of year, but it is sale season and there’s nothing like retail therapy to put the spring back into your step!

Wrap up warm and head to the beautiful central London streets. If you can’t afford to shop till you drop then fake it! Pretend you can afford that candelabra at London Silver Vaults. Admire the mock Tudor beauty of London's most unique department store and pick up a few cheeky samples at Borough Market.

Do Some Good

Once you're done with the indulgence of shopping, volunteering can be a great way to get you out and about doing something you're passionate about, or, for those in an existential mood, it'll give your life some meaning.

Boris Johnson's Team London makes it easy to volunteer for hundreds of projects across London and lets you search for volunteering opportunities according to your interest.

‘Get Fit and Do Good’ with a local Good Gym group who run, walk, and cycle to help local community organisations and isolated older people by doing practical tasks.

If that doesn’t inspire you, then how about you get green-fingered in a community garden with Capital Growth, who offer in-kind support to people who grow their own food in London.

Have A Laugh

Laughter is the best medicine! We recommend that you head down to The Southbank Center to check out comedy writer and actor Daisy May Cooper talking about her life and career, as she launches her memoir, Don't Laugh, It Will Only Encourage Her. The ‘This Country’ star chats to a special guest about growing up in rural poverty in Gloucestershire, nearly being expelled from drama school, and creating her BAFTA-winning show.

Grab tickets to The legendary Happy Mondays Comedy at The Amersham pub. For £5 you can laugh till you cry with some of the UK’s best comedians including the wonderful comedy talents of Mark Simmons - Master of One Liners , As seen on Mock The Week , NHS Hero and ace comedian Michael Akadiri, Anoushka Rava ( Winner UGotJokesUK competition ), student comedian Harry Hunter & rising star Sam Deards

See A Musical

London Living loves the newest musical to hit London’s Westend, Moulin Rouge! The Musical! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and — above all — love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.

You will enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular

See A Show

The Cirque du Soleil sun is rising! Cirque du Soleil have reopened their dazzling luminous spectacle, LUZIA, at the Royal Albert Hall in January 2022. LUZIA takes you to an imaginary Mexico, like in a waking dream, where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul. Hoop diving, acrobatic stunts and a surreal menagerie are all part of the fun. 12th January-27 February

Ditch The Booze

It’s the sober sequel to tipsy December. But that doesn’t mean we must deny our taste buds all the joys of a fun night out. After all, that’s what the mocktail was invented for? So instead of a boozy brunch or night on the town, let’s leave the kids at home and try a Winter Sangria (simmered cranberries, apples, orange, blueberries and ginger beer); a Ginger Peach Kambucha (green tea, cane sugar, peaches and ginger); a Lychee Blossom (lychees, jasmine tea, honey, strawberry and lemon); or even a 34 Virgin Colada (pineapple, lime, toasted coconut, cream and maraschino cherry). And want to know the best bit, there is guaranteed to be no hangover!

London bars with a good mocktail menu include Kanishka in Mayfair, Coupette in Bethnal Green and Nightjar in Hoxton.

Try Something Different

Whether you're a total Titanic history buff or simply a fan of Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet's romance in the 1997 film, you'll love this immersive dining experience at The Savoy - new to London for 2022.

Step back in time to 14 April 1912, with The Queen of the Ocean Immersive Titanic Dining for One at The Savoy Hotel in London. Based on the final 24 hours of the RMS Titanic, you will take your seats in the Savoy’s Lancaster Ballroom. Transformed to be a first-class dining saloon, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable five-course recreation of the final meal served on board the Titanic.

Immerse yourselves in the stories, characters and sights of the world’s most famous ship as live actors bring that fateful night to life with a three-hour interactive performance. After the show, you’ll be able to meet the cast and crew as well as receive signed CDs of the show’s soundtrack.

What do you think of our list? We know there are so many things to do but these are definitely our favourites! Let us know yours in the comments, which ones will you be visiting this January?

Beat The January Blues