Here’s your guide to treating yourself well in the long second half of winter – and why it’s important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
January is Hard. Don\u2019t Make it Harder.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s be realistic: January starts just a week after the winter solstice, i.e. the coldest, darkest time of the year. It\u2019s still midwinter out there but the Christmas cheer is over, the twinkly lights are gone, and it\u2019s sadly no longer acceptable to survive solely on the festive food groups of chocolate, cheese and Baileys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But somehow January has become a time when we feel pressured to switch cold turkey (pun intended) from Christmas fun and indulgence to a harsh programme of self-improvement, punishing exercise, strict diets, and learning new skills – all while cleaning the house, spending no money, and steering clear of treats. Sounds totally exhausting, and a more than a bit miserable, to be honest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a natural at doing January, and thrive on this kind of extreme regime, then you don\u2019t need to read any further. Keep doing what you\u2019re doing and enjoy it. For the rest of us, what can we do to make a positive fresh start to the year while still being kind to ourselves?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We all deserve to cut ourselves some slack as we navigate the second half of winter. And even though those pandemic winters are over, the world isn’t exactly a joyous place at the moment. Cost of living is at an all time high. Multiple global conflicts are raging. Emotions are running high, and morale is running low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So I won\u2019t be making any drastic new year\u2019s resolutions. Honestly I\u2019ll just be trying to coast along until the days get longer and the daylight gets brighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But <\/strong>I still want to make a positive start to the year and build in a few healthier choices while allowing myself some grace. And so really it\u2019s all about balance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Striking a balance between making some changes to make yourself feel better after all that festive indulgence, without being hard on yourself in this lowest point of the winter sounds like a plan. So here are some practical tips to make that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re feeling a bit tired and worn out by post-festive-season, back-to-work life, then the idea of goal-setting can actually be quite discouraging rather than motivating. Instead, try setting some basic aims for the year (or even just the month) ahead. An aim feels like something you slowly work towards, rather than bust a gut to achieve. That sounds about right for now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s also a good opportunity to rethink the concept of resolutions. To avoid ending up resenting them, make them gentle and achievable. Things like \u201crest more,\u201d \u201cmove in ways I enjoy,\u201d or \u201cbe okay with saying no\u201d are all great starting points. And remember: with goals and resolutions we’re looking for progress, not perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n Don\u2019t go from 0-60 on a new year\u2019s exercise regime. This is not about running in the early-morning dark until you feel sick. If you need a starting point, start by trying to reach a certain number of steps each day, and gradually increase the number each week. Get up from your desk every 30 minutes. Anything to up your movement and lower your sitting time. Stretch. Breathe deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking some appropriate supplements every day is such an easy, achievable way to boost your health and immunity. If, like me, you always forget, then try decanting them into a daily pill reminder box. Remember your Vitamin D at this time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think we all need to remind ourselves that brighter days are coming. Actively making lists of things you\u2019re looking forward to, or researching a trip or project for later in the year, can be a real mood-boosting activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s ok to channel your inner bear at this time of year. Work and family commitments aside, don\u2019t feel guilty about pulling up the drawbridge, bingeing on books or boxsets, and not emerging until Spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re hibernating like Yogi & Booboo, try to get outside whenever you get the chance. Getting a decent amount of daylight will boost your mental health and help you sleep, so even if you just take a short daily walk it will always be worth it. Get daylight early in the day for the biggest beneficial effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As well as being kind to yourself, take it easy on others too. This is especially important if you\u2019re working from home and have kids home on snow days \/ sick days \/ school strikes \/ whatever. If the kids are busy building a fort under the living room cushions or are happy playing out in the garden all morning, then I say just let them. You can catch up enough later. Being flexible wherever the schedule allows can really take the pressure off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to do Veganuary or Dry January, then great! By all means do them if you want \u2013 but if you had perhaps planned to and now really don\u2019t feel like it, then DON\u2019T. The unrestricted treats of Christmas might be over, but you still need to enjoy your food to make a healthy eating plan sustainable. Aim for simplicity: uncomplicated nutritious meals, eating seasonally, trying for 5 a day, drinking more water. Treats shouldn’t be banned. Hopefully, you\u2019ll feel better for it but not full of resentment at a restricted diet plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Try incorporating some small, comforting routines into your day: a favourite tea in the afternoon, a hot bath in the evening, or 20 minutes of reading before bed. If ever there was a time to embrace hygge<\/a>, it is now. Remember, the Scandinavians know how to do winter – follow their lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I always put away my Christmas decorations early in the new year, but try to leave out some twinkly lights for the remainder of winter. It\u2019s dark here in Scotland from 4pm to 8am in early January, so a bit of cosy light in the darkness is very much required! Try a string of clear-cable fairy lights in a glass vase or jar, a battery-candle lantern, or some outdoor lights in a tree outside your window. Lighting up dark corners cheers up a space so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As February approaches, keep an eye out for the first signs of spring. Snowdrops and crocuses will start emerging. Or buy some cut flowers for your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Post-Christmas winter tends to mean a lot of time spent at home, so take some time to make a few small adjustments to your space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to Marie Kondo your house (unless you want to), but think of some little changes to make you feel good. Rearrange a room: nothing revamps a space more easily than simply moving the furniture around. Change the lighting by switching out some lamps from room to room, or swap some artwork and move pieces to a different wall. If you have a desk where you\u2019re working from home, add a plant, some pictures or a scented candle. Little changes can be just enough to add a sense of novelty.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMake A Different Kind of New Year\u2019s Resolution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding a Balance: Tips for January and February<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Think of Some Aims, Rather Than Setting Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n2. Get Some Gentle Exercise and Take Your Vitamins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Plan a Trip or Project<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Allow Yourself to Hibernate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Get As Much Daylight As You Can<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Cut Everyone Some Slack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Eat Well, Not Restrictively<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Create Cosy Rituals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Keep Some Light In The Darkness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. Make Small Improvements To Your Environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n