In a meeting recently, one of my colleagues was practically giddy about how much watchable, readable, and listenable content exists right now. She started listing shows, books, podcasts, even soundtracks, and instead of the usual polite nodding, everyone on the call perked up. Actual enthusiasm. In January, of all months.

With so much going on in the world and seasonal depression very much in the group chat, it helps that January is stacked in a way that feels comforting rather than overwhelming. Not everything needs your full attention or emotional investment. Some things just need to be there at the end of the day.

Emily in Paris is perfect for nights when your brain is tired, but your eyes want something colorful and familiar. The Traitors works when you’re in the mood for drama without the emotional labor, all scheming and accents with a clean ending. Landman apparently hits differently if you’ve ever worked in oil and gas, because, according to Abby, yes, people really do act like that. And Stranger Things is for when you want a little nostalgia and real stakes — a reminder of when friendship solved things (mostly).

Reading-wise, The Correspondent is one of those quietly heartwarming books that makes you want to write your best friend a letter, even though the two of you already text every day. The Four Winds is for when you’re emotionally stable enough to be wrecked, while Outlive is for a motivated Sunday that might turn into a nap.

As for me, I’m currently binging Owning Manhattan, listening to Good Hang with Amy Poehler, and genuinely excited for Bridgerton to return. Sometimes it’s not about keeping up, it’s just about having something to enjoy.