A January In Sync With The Season

Welcome to a Brand New Year!

Whether you’re feeling energetic and ready to take on the new year or still recovering from the Hogmanay celebrations, this blog is for you. At this time of year, we’re inundated with ‘new year, new me’ messages, encouraging us to make dramatic changes and start fresh. But here in our little corner of the internet, we’re taking a different approach. Instead of pushing for quick transformations, we believe it’s more beneficial to stay in sync with nature, especially during the winter months. Read on to discover how we’re spending January in sync with the season.

Winter: A Time to Slow Down

Winter is inherently a time for rest, reflection, and slow renewal. Nature slows down in winter to conserve energy and prepare for the coming spring, and so should we. Rather than feeling pressured to make drastic changes, this season invites us to pause, rest, and restore. To embrace this natural rhythm, take a moment each day to slow down—perhaps through a warm bath, journaling, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea. Give yourself permission to rest without guilt, knowing that this restful period will prepare you for the action and growth that spring will bring.

Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions

The energy of the new year can be incredibly motivating, but instead of focusing on restrictive resolutions, why not set intentional goals that align with your deeper values? Rather than aiming for drastic changes, focus on the qualities or feelings you want to embody this year. For example, if you want to nurture more creativity, set small, achievable goals like dedicating 10 minutes a day to writing or drawing. Setting intentions like this allows for gentle growth without the pressure of perfection.

There’s a reason most people fail at achieving their New Years Resolutions – we set lofty goals, too high at a time when Earth’s natural cycle  is telling us to conserve – then we make ourselves feel guilty! Instead, reflect on what truly serves you, and let that guide your intentions for the year ahead.

Nourish, Don’t Diet

Likewise, we all collectively struggle to maintain new strict diets and gym regimes that we set out for ourselves under the enthusiasm of new beginnings. Instead of restricting yourself with fleeting diets, focus on nourishing your body with wholesome, energising foods and drinks. A great way to do this during the colder months is by sipping on functional teas that not only taste good but also support your health. Try teas that offer health benefits, such as Ginger Gut Balance for digestion or The Sleepy Mind for relaxation. If you’re looking for a sweet treat try a warming chai latte made with tea not syrups! to feel both nourished and satisfied without the sugar crash.

Gym fill you with dread? There are other ways to get your steps in or heart racing – did you know people who live nearer water have been found to be happier! Take a stroll along your nearest beach or river. We’ll be going for the more adventurous side and visiting the newly opened Lost Shore for some inland surfing. Plus, our leisurely beach walks can be all that more enjoyable now with a Soul Water Sauna as they’ve expanded from Portobello into the new Pitt Market at 2o West Shore Road. These small acts of nourishment can make a big difference in how you feel.

Low and No: Alcohol-Free Alternatives

If you’re looking to cut back on alcohol this January, why not try alcohol-free teas as an indulgent alternative? Explore options like Isle of Harris Gin Tea or Tomatin Whisky Tea for a sophisticated, alcohol-free twist. These teas offer the familiar flavours of your favourite spirits but without the alcohol, making them perfect for a mindful reset. Or, if you want something refreshing, try a tea spritz recipe.

Lang may yer lum reek…

Wishing you warmth, prosperity and comfort this new year. We’re so grateful to have you here for another year. Together we’ll be embracing the promise of new beginnings with intention, self-compassion, and a focus on nourishment. Stay in sync with the seasons, set goals that align with your values, and take the time to rest and restore so you can embrace the new year with a sense of balance and ease.