5 Ways To Ease Into January

Ad | Featuring gifted items

Hello all. Happy New Year, and all that jazz!

Instead of thinking of the things I could be achieving in 2020, I’m looking back at the goodness I enjoyed over the Christmas break and the ways in which I’m going to let it linger, (sings The Cranberries), into January.

I’m not in denial. Christmas has packed itself away for another year and I’m cool with that, sort of. But I’m feeling a tad bummed out that everyone wants to get back to their routines so quickly, whilst simultaneously wishing for spring. What’s the rush and why wish away so many months?

To put things into perspective. There’s been much change this year for us as a family and none more so than last month, when my dad moved out of our family home of 40 years, into a care home. It’s been a pretty overwhelming time chums, I’m not going to sugar coat it, but I’ve learnt a lot too.

Making memories with my dad is essentially all there is now, so I’m forced to stop, focus and capture every bit of him before the next stage of the disease takes hold. All of this has made me do the same in other areas of my life too.

There are many ways I’m going to ease into January; from weekend lie-ins with loved ones, eating chocolate with my dad whilst we have nonsensical chats, to enjoying crisp morning walks and dog snuggles on the sofa.

Here’s five ways that might help you ease into the next decade too…

One ~ Postpone the Resolutions |I could easily roll off a list of resolutions if I had to; waking up earlier, writing and reading everyday, batch cooking, running 3 times a week…you know the drill. But until I’m living my usual work / life routine it’s not realistic that I’ll be achieving any of them.

I do think it’s important to reflect, and when needed make changes to our lives, but only in our own time. We’re all different after all. I prefer setting goals and making plans when it feels natural to do so. That’s usually spring and autumn for me. How about you?

Two ~ Rest |Keep some non-working days free for necessary (not indulgent or lazy) lie-ins. After all the social gatherings in November and December I’m looking forward to some weekend mornings spent in bed with a spicy chai tea and crisp white bed linen c/o Dusk for company.

Three ~ Sparkle| Embrace the dark mornings and nights and keep the twinkly nights up all winter. Explore the cosy nooks in your home by candlelight and enjoy a couple more months of hygge living.

Four ~ Outdoors |A simple way to slow down during a working day is to be amongst nature. During your lunch break, weather permitting, get outside with a flask of hot soup. You can’t rush soup, so enjoy a slow lunch free of distractions.

If you don’t have easy access to the countryside, think about bringing nature to you. If you have an outdoor space there are lots of ways to make it more hospitable to wildlife. I’ve spent lots of happy moments watching the birds feeding outside the kitchen window in the comfort of my own home.

Five ~ Feast and be thankful | I’ve heard so many people complaining about the ‘naughty’ food they have leftover from Christmas. We have piles of food given as gifts and I’ll be eating it all over the coming months (alongside fruit and veg when I’m having a good adulting day). If any food has a short use by date then gift it to those that need it. Let’s stop moaning about food. We’re privileged to have it *eats another shortbread*.