‘Tis the Season to Be Jolly… Or Is It?
Mark Kennedy
16 December 2025
December has arrived! The month where fairy lights sparkle, festive songs return to the radio, and precious family time is just around
Welcome to January – the month of fresh calendars, new beginnings and the return to everyday routines. After the sparkle and excitement of Christmas, January can feel like a bit of a shock to the system. The decorations come down, social calendars are emptier, the nights still feel long, and suddenly it’s back to alarms, deadlines and responsibilities.
If you’re finding it hard to get back into your routine, that’s okay. Many people experience a dip in energy, motivation and mood at this time of year. The post-holiday comedown is real, and it can affect students, professionals, parents and just about everyone! The good news is these feelings are temporary, and with a few small, intentional changes, January really can become a month of renewed focus, confidence and positive momentum.
December is full-on. Even if it’s enjoyable, it’s busy, emotionally charged and often disruptive to our usual habits. Sleep routines change, meal times shift, physical activity can drop, and social expectations increase. When January arrives, the sudden return to structure can feel overwhelming.
You might notice:
This doesn’t mean you’re failing or falling behind, it simply means your mind and body are adjusting. The key is to respond with kindness, not criticism.
January doesn’t need drastic resolutions or unrealistic expectations. In fact, gentle, achievable changes are far more effective and one of the most powerful places to start is with movement.
Staying active helps wake up both your body and mind. Exercise increases energy levels, boosts mood and helps regulate sleep – all things that can feel off after the festive period. If the weather isn’t inviting you outdoors, don’t let that stop you. There are countless online classes available, from yoga and Pilates to dance, strength and low-impact workouts that you can do from home.
The goal is consistency, not perfection. Even 10–20 minutes of movement can make a noticeable difference!
Rather than trying to revert everything at once, focus on gently reintroducing structure. Simple routines provide a sense of safety and control, especially when motivation is low.
Try anchoring your day with just a few consistent habits, such as:
Once those foundations are in place, everything else feels more manageable.
January is also a great time to check in with yourself. Instead of pushing through low moods or exhaustion… Pause and observe what’s going on beneath the surface.
Tracking patterns and triggers can be incredibly helpful. Our Self-Care Tracker is designed to help you reflect on:
When you can see patterns clearly, you’re far better equipped to make changes that actually support your wellbeing.
From Tracking to Taking Action
Once you’ve assessed where you are, the next step is to introduce small, realistic adjustments to support yourself. For example, you might notice that your mood dips on days where you skip meals, stay up late scrolling, or don’t move much. With that insight, you can begin to put simple plans in place:
These small actions build momentum, helping you feel brighter, stronger and more in control.
Journaling: A Fresh Start for Your Mind
January is often associated with reflection and planning, and journaling can be a powerful tool to support both. Writing things down helps clear mental clutter, reduces overwhelm and gives shape to your thoughts.
If you’re not sure where to start, our How to Bullet Journal guide is a great resource. Bullet journaling allows you to combine organisation, reflection and creativity in a way that feels flexible and personal. There’s no right or wrong way, it’s simply a space that’s yours.
Even a few lines a day can help you process emotions, set intentions and recognise progress you might otherwise overlook.
Fuel Your Body to Support Your Mind
When energy feels low, it’s tempting to rely on quick fixes like sugary snacks, caffeine or irregular meals. While these might give a short boost, they often lead to energy crashes later on.
Instead, focus on balance rather than restriction. Regular meals, hydration and foods that nourish your body will naturally support concentration, mood and motivation. Think of food as fuel to help you function at your best!
Be Patient With Yourself
Perhaps the most important message of all: January doesn’t have to be amazing. It just needs to be manageable.
You don’t need to feel motivated every day. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Progress in January often looks quiet – rebuilding habits, restoring energy, and slowly finding your rhythm again.
Celebrate small wins – getting out of bed on a tough morning counts. Completing one task counts. Choosing rest when you need it counts.
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December has arrived! The month where fairy lights sparkle, festive songs return to the radio, and precious family time is just around
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