OK, listening to New Order probably isn't going to help. 

I mean, classic track, but not known for its uplifting qualities. If you need to deal with your ear worm, you can find a link at the bottom of the page.

Anyway, I don't know about you, but I am most definitely a summer person. Long days, lots of light, preferably warm weather.

So I always find January a little bit challenging. Christmas is over, spring still seems like a long way off, and I'm bored of being cold.

How can I help me and you to make it through?

January's a fallow season

When I'm thinking about the start of the year, there's always that pressure to make resolutions/ set intentions; to dive into the year with energy; and to be all action.

But actually, taking a leaf from nature's book (pun intended), it's worth reminding ourselves that this is the fallow season. Things aren't visibly growing, but they are preparing to burst forth in spring as the days lengthen and warm.

What does this mean for us? It means doing things that deeply nurture us so we can be ready for spring.

What does nurture mean to you?

For me, it means a bunch of things: 

Get good quality sleep - I aim to: eat earlier so my stomach's done with digestion; get into bed early enough to stand a chance of 7 hours of sleep; and drink a "sleepy tea" around 8.30pm as the start of my wind-down routine.

Get outside - when there's so little daylight, I like to get outside during some part of it, preferably early in the day. 

Not only does it help you to actually get some light (which is better than a light bulb), but the fresh air boosts your mood and immunity.

And it also helps with your sleep.

Stay hydrated - I won't lie, I find it hard to drink water when I'm cold. I'm sitting here right now, looking at the pint of water I poured about three hours ago! 

But I can drink endless buckets of tea. I try and mix it up a bit so it's not all Earl Grey. 

After lunch, ginger for digestion and circulation. 

In the afternoon, rose hip and hibiscus for vitamin c. 

In the evening, valerian or chamomile for sleepy time.

Enjoy the view from my window - as there are no leaves on the trees, I can actually see the squirrels doing their parkour across the row of gardens. Always entertaining.

And yesterday, there was the cutest little flock of long-tailed tits in my magnolia that I wouldn't have seen had it been full of leaves.

And the bluebell and daffodil bulbs are starting to poke their way through. It's a reminder that spring will come again.

Read less news and more interesting stuff- two weeks in, and January 2026 has already been.. well, 😯. Just step away from the news cycle. 

On the other hand, finding something else to read (or listen to if that's your preference) that takes you out of the current time and place can only help to calm your nervous system.

Perhaps these aren't the things that make you feel nurtured. 

Maybe it's:

- candle lit baths and face masks; 

- spending low-key time with your favourite people; 

- getting busy with some crafts; or

- cooking hearty, soothing meals.

Whatever it is, let me encourage you to lean heavily into it this week.

More:

Deal with your ear worm - here's Blue Monday