Why January Doesn't Have to Be Your "Fresh Start" Month

30 Jan

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The start of the year is here, and with it comes the flood of messages telling us to set big goals, start ambitious new routines, and completely transform our lives. But can I let you in on a little secret? January doesn’t have to be your "fresh start" month.

Let’s be honest: January is cold. It’s dark. After the hustle and joy (and sometimes chaos) of the holiday season, all we want to do is hibernate. And honestly? That’s okay.

Instead of forcing ourselves to dive into a whirlwind of new goals and overwhelming routines, what if we gave ourselves permission to take January slow? To rest, regroup, and focus on getting back to basics.

Why January Is Perfect for Rest and Routine

The winter months are a natural time for slowing down. After all, nature itself is in a state of rest and renewal. Trees aren’t blooming yet. Animals are conserving their energy. And while we’re not exactly bears (as much as a cozy blanket and tea might suggest otherwise), we can follow that same instinct.

January is a great time to:

Ease back into routines. Maybe the holidays threw off your usual habits. That’s okay. Use this month to gently return to what feels good—whether that’s movement, nourishing meals, or bedtime rituals.
Focus on what’s sustainable. Forget grand resolutions. Instead, think small and steady. A few steps forward each day are more impactful than burning yourself out by mid-February.
Listen to your body. Rest if you need it. Move when it feels good. Your energy might not be at its peak right now, and that’s natural.

The Case for a "Spring Reset"

Instead of pressuring yourself to plan the year in January, consider the energy of spring. Spring is when nature wakes up. Flowers bloom, the days get brighter, and everything feels a little more alive—including us.

Spring is a natural time for new beginnings. It’s also when many of us feel more motivated and energised to set goals, reassess plans, and dive into something new. For those of you in business, spring even lines up with the start of the new tax year in the UK—a perfect opportunity to refresh and refocus.

How to Approach January with Grace

Here’s my challenge for you: instead of overloading your plate with new resolutions this month, focus on reconnection.

Reconnect with your body. How does it feel? What movement feels good right now? Even a 5-minute stretch or short walk counts.
Reconnect with your habits. What small, bite-sized actions helped you feel your best before the holidays? Bring those back first.
Reconnect with rest. Allow yourself to hibernate a little. Early nights, cosy evenings, and unhurried mornings are a gift.

By prioritising these basics, you’re building a strong foundation—not just for the year ahead, but for life.

Not sure how to get started?

Investing in some support to work with a coach like me might be a great first step. I offer virtual personal training and fitness coaching from the comfort of your own home. We can work together with what you have at home and start where you are to build up your strength and fitness overtime and most importantly confidence as we work towards your goals.

The first step in us working together so you can find the time to put yourself first, fit health and fitness into your busy and often unstructured schedule and feel strong and confident in your own skin is to have a conversation. Head to my work with me page and fill out the form so we can start the conversation (there is no commitment at this point), I look forward to hearing from you.

Let’s Redefine the "New Year"

There’s no rule that says January has to be the month we start fresh. Let’s redefine it as a time to settle back into rhythm, focus on feeling good, and give ourselves the grace to rest.

And when spring comes? That’s when we’ll have the energy to tackle bigger goals and make plans.

If you’re ready to take a gentler approach to movement, self-care, and goal-setting, you’re not alone. Together, we can focus on what truly matters: building habits that fit our lives, not the other way around.

Let’s move into this new year slowly, intentionally, and with the confidence that our reset can come whenever we’re ready.

Remember to visit my website at lisadawnbeckwith.com/workwithme for support.