Here’s a bit of mythology that you may or may not know … January is named after the Janus – the Roman God of doorways. How apt!

Whilst we’re encouraged to start the year afresh with new plans & routines, we’re actually more in a doorway – still on the cusp of what has been and what is to come.

What do you see when you look at this image? A path ahead, the track behind you, or both?

What I’m trying to say is give yourself a break. We’re still in mid-winter. In nature, growth is so slow that it may not seem apparent at all. Yet we expect ourselves to magically transform into the fittest, healthiest, shiniest versions of ourselves overnight!

I’d love to share 5 ways that you can be kinder to yourself this month…

1) Slow down your mornings – Have you noticed that if you start the day off on the wrong foot, the whole day is awful? How we start the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. When you wake up, have a stretch in bed, cuddle your partner/child/dog/pillow, become mindful of how your body is supported by the mattress, the warmth of the duvet.

2) Give yourself a media blackout – Switch off the news, stop the doomscrolling – there’s nothing you can do to change it, and if there was anything you really needed to know, you would find out soon enough. If the first thing you do when you wake up is check your phone, see how long you can avoid it for. Reclaim your mind!

3) Ditch the diet – Put down the salad! Winter nutrition is about warming, nourishing meals like soups and stews made from root vegetables that bear the earth’s energy. Hydrate with herbal infusions rather than cold drinks. Our bodies (especially the joints) need warmth!

4) Opt for an early night – The most challenging one for me as a night owl! Limiting screen time after 8pm aids restful sleep. Instead of watching tv or scrolling on your phone, try a few yoga poses such as legs up the wall (see image below) or restorative bridge instead.

5) Practice gratitude – Every day, morning, night, or both, think of three things/people/situations, that you’re grateful for, that you really truly appreciate. A regular gratitude practice raises your mood and energy – it’s science!

​How has your January been?  I’d love to hear from you in the comments – is it a month you love or loath?