.png)
January often brings that 'new year, new you' energy we associate with new beginnings, but it's important to remember it's still winter. Nature is resting, cocooned in layers of warmth and conserving energy for brighter, warmer days—and so should you.
Instead of rushing into setting goals and intentions, let's honour nature and our ancestral instinct to rest in Winter, approaching the New Year like we would a Yoga practise, one breath at a time.
Upholding nourishing habits to support our bodies and minds and provide pockets of energy to navigate these darker months.
Here's some small, incremental habits and ideas for you to put into place this January.
Embrace Early Nights
Winter is the perfect time to honour the darker evenings and our body clocks need for more sleep. Head to bed 30 minutes earlier and wake feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Rest is a vital part of renewal, and it's okay to lean into it.
If you struggle to drift off why not try some simple yoga poses; cat cows and gentle stretches or sprinkle a few drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow, which aids sleep by promoting relaxation.
Read That Book
Snuggle under a blanket, light your favourite candle, pop Netflix Fireplace on the telly (if you don't have a real fire like me and haven't discovered Netflix Fireplace yet, you're missing out!) and lose yourself in a page-turning book.
We tend to spend more time at home during Winter and cosy, quite evenings create the perfect atmosphere to retreat into stories and explore new ideas.
It's also a simple way to wind down before bed too, so why not try switching your night-time scrolling to reading instead and see if it makes a difference to your sleep, mood and energy.
If you’re on the hunt for a candle to create that cosy winter vibe, I’ve been lighting one from Bougie Lab. It smells divine and lasts for ages.
Move Your Body—Gently
A couple of simple stretches in the morning can help get the blood flowing and boost your energy and you don't even have to get out of bed to do them!
If you’re looking to improve your well-being this year, start small. Maybe try yoga?
Yoga improves flexibility, strength and stamina and it's proven to lower stress levels. Plus, the final relaxation pose—Savasana—is pure bliss. You might not want to get back up!
Find a local class that suits your level of experience. Practicing with a trained teacher means you'll get the right support to ensure the practice works for your body. Why not try one of my mixed level classes, perfect for anyone wanting to improve their fitness, health and well-being in 2025 and we always make sure we ease ourselves into the New Year.
Get Outside
Think of yourself as a houseplant—you need sunlight to flourish and grow, even in winter! With shorter days, it can be tricky to find time, but getting outside during daylight hours is key to boosting your mood.
Take a walk in nature, grab a coffee with friends, consider walking instead of driving short distances or simply sit in a sunny spot for a while. The fresh air, sunlight and movement can do wonders for your mental health.
Not keen on the cold and wet? I can 1000% recommend getting yourself a dry robe, absolute game changer for keeping you warm and dry this Winter.
Nourishing Food
If you're anything like me and have eaten your body weight in chocolate and cheese this Christmas, you'll be thinking about healthier eating habits, but Winter still calls for warm hearty food that comforts and sustains, so don't be get the salad shaker out just yet.
Instead focus on foods that nourish your body and boost your immune system—soups, stews and root vegetables. I'm obsessed with lentil stew, packed with plant-based protein, fibre and essential nutrients that keep you feeling full, energized, and warm from the inside out.
Comments