Self-Care 2023: Make January A Little Easier

January can be a tough month. The holiday period is over and we’re back to reality. It’s cold, dark and rainy and all we want to do is curl up on the sofa with a blanket, hot chocolate and a good book. But there’s no time for self-pampering in January — there are parties to plan, work deadlines to meet, bills to pay and friends who need cheering up!

It’s easy to let our self-care slip during this time of year but it’s important that we don’t forget ourselves completely. We need to take care of ourselves so that we can be better equipped to take care of others. As you start the year off with a clean slate, take some time to focus on self-care and healing.

Here are some tips for how you can make January a little easier:

  • Take some time for yourself

January is about setting goals for the year ahead, but it’s also about looking after your health and wellbeing. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life, but it’s important to remember that you matter too! Take time out each day to do something nice for yourself – whether that’s going for a walk in nature, having a long soak in the bath or treating yourself to lunch at your favourite cafe.

  • Be kind to yourself

This one is so important because it’s easy to fall into bad habits during January (like binge eating or skipping workouts). You’re probably eating less than usual because there’s less food around and there are fewer people around too! We all need some TLC at this time of year.

  • Prioritise your wellbeing

If it’s not possible for you to get away from work then at least try and find ways to relax during the day. Take regular breaks if you can and just sit quietly for a few minutes with no distractions – even if it’s just closing your eyes for two minutes at a time. January is also a great time to try something new – whether it’s trying out a new recipe, learning how to meditate or joining a fitness class. If you’ve been meaning to try meditation but haven’t got around to it yet, now is the perfect opportunity!

  • Take care of your body

There are so many ways that we can neglect our bodies throughout the holidays — too much alcohol, not enough sleep and food that leaves us feeling sluggish and bloated come January 1st. Spend some time focusing on eating healthy foods that will nourish your body without weighing it down (like this detox water recipe). And get plenty of rest — even if it means taking naps or staying in bed longer than usual!

  • Think about what you need right now

The first step towards self-care is identifying what your needs are right now. This can help you decide how best to spend your time this month. If you have children, then prioritising their wellbeing is an obvious must. If they’re young enough, getting out of the house together as a family could be fun (and necessary!). If they’re older, maybe they could come with you on your errands and appointments so that you don’t feel too alone or isolated. Or maybe there are other ways for them to help out around the house so that you can take some time off from housework or childcare duties.

  • Take at least one day off from social media

Social media can often be an unhelpful place for self-care during January (or any month), as people may compare their lives with others and feel inadequate. Try taking at least one day off from social media each week, if not more often than that during January if needed. Remember that social media isn’t real life – so don’t take it too seriously!

Mary J. Payne
Mary has over 10 years of experience as a journalist. She loves to travel and write about her experiences, but she also covers topics such as education, career advice and finances.