I’d like to start by wishing you all a healthy and happy 2026. As you reflect on the start of this year, what small change could make the biggest difference to your wellbeing? I hope that wherever you are in your life stage, you can tap into your reserves of inner light to guide you through January.
In my last article, I wrote about how important daylight is for our mental health. The thing I love about January is that, even if we feel a little flat –or even just flat broke after the Christmas period – the days are beginning to lengthen and our bodies can start to build up their vitamin D stores. As January progresses, we naturally begin to feel energised by the lengthening days, more energetic and up for challenges but early January often calls for more of a gentle reset.
As I’m writing this on Nollaig na mBan, I want to take a moment to acknowledge all the women in our lives who have worked so hard to make Christmas a time of joy and coming together for their families. Who are the women in your life you’d like to acknowledge for their care and support? And it’s not just for Christmas, as they say; our mothers, our sisters, our friends and daughters take on so much care and responsibility that at times life may feel very pressured. We often get swept up in the collective current of Christmas with all the ideas and expectations of the season, so what a joy it is to have January in order to go within, to tune into oneself once more and sense the potential of the new year ahead. What does rest and recalibration look like for you this month? January is the perfect month for it.
You might have gathered that I’m not one for radical New Year’s resolutions, though the health and fitness industry is famous for its ‘New Year, New You’ message. Are your health goals truly your own, or are they shaped by outside expectations? Inherent in this message is a sense of rejection of the old you as being somehow wrong or inadequate. Ironic how we are encouraged to lie about munching on things over Christmas only to be shamed into dieting and exercise in the aftermath! It’s the boom-bust scenario wheeled out every year. From this perspective, January is traditionally the month where we troop off to the gym or embark on extreme diets or exercise regimens with a new broom energy only to fail within a few weeks. What about this year taking the January time to tune into yourself instead and see what it is that really makes you happy and healthy? What about coming off auto-pilot and tailoring your own health and happiness for the new year at your own pace?
Meanwhile, we can be following some very simple health guidelines to help us rebalance after Christmas and gently shed any few pounds we many have acquired. Truly, what we all need is moderation.
January is a time for gentle self-compassion, allowing yourself to embrace new beginnings without pressure or judgement. Rather than focusing solely on physical health, consider your emotional and mental wellbeing as equally important aspects of renewal. By nurturing kindness towards yourself, you can create space for positive change to flourish naturally throughout the year. Make new habits a commitment of care and love for your wellbeing rather than a punishment.
Here are some simple parameters to consider as you begin your health journey in 2026.
Time
Look at your time allowances… do you have the kind of lifestyle that allows you to be scheduled in your approach and allot regular time for exercise, or is life more unpredictable for you? Exercise should not be yet another demand on our time – this approach will lead to either our own resentment or the resentment of those around us. Good for you if you can head off for a five-hour cycle, but not so good if you’re leaving behind a resentful family! Health should be for all the family. How can you best make time for movement that fits your life and supports those around you?
Choice of Activity
Well, what do you like to do? Are you the sociable type who likes to have a laugh and join in with groups, or do you prefer a more mindful, inner-guided approach? Or is it being outdoors that does it for you, walking or swimming? Do you enjoy the camaraderie of your local gym or fitness class? What activities bring you genuine joy and help you feel healthy? Happiness and gratitude create health. Whatever it is you love, do as much of it as time and weather (and family) allow.
Sleep and Rest
The holy grail of eight hours remains the same. And the old saying “an hour before midnight is worth two after” remains true. Sleep is essential and remember the hours spent sleeping count towards your fasting time where the body can ‘go offline’ so to speak and carry out its essential maintenance. I want to include quality rest time here too. How often do we just sit in silence and rest in our own presence? This space, unique to each individual, is where our inspiration arises and making this a practice is deeply nourishing for our souls.
Food
Keep it simple… Reduce your sugar intake; Drink more water; Eat more veg and fruit; Chew!; Try to fast for 12 hours using your natural sleep window.Which simple change – less sugar, more water, or more vegetables – feels most achievable for you right now?
Fascia and Fun
Consider gentle stretching, dancing, yoga or Pilates to support your fascia and overall mobility. And don’t forget to make time for fun – what’s one thing you can do this week just for the joy of it? Doing something new or different has been proven to help us feel like we can slow time down, especially important in these busy times.
This January, take a moment to tune into yourself. Choose one small, positive change and commit to it for the next week. Notice how it makes you feel and celebrate your progress – no matter how small. Remember, your journey to health and happiness is unique to you. Why not start today?
