January; A Perfect Time For Rest

What if we use January as a month of rest, instead of a month of rushing toward new goals? The idea of using January as a month to rest and reset my priorities for the new year has really resonated with me this month. And in practice, it’s pretty nice to take it slow rather than racing to celebrate the holidays and then having just a week before I’m setting goals and working towards them on New Year’s Day.

The first full month of winter calls for a slower pace and rest. A time to nurture yourself, be gentle with yourself and maybe get some more sleep. Whether you’re pregnant or newly postpartum or just a tired human, we can all relish in rest.

So if you, like me, are feeling a call for rest, here’s some ways I’ve been slowing down:

Nurture your body

Spending additional time pampering your body with a nice warm bath or a walk outside in the crisp winter air is a great way to nurture your body and take a slower pace. Often winter weather can be an invitation to snuggle up by a cozy fire or take some time to read a book while wrapped in a blanket. 

Another great way to nurture your body is through food. Warm foods; soups, herbal teas, roasted vegetables are generally easier on your digestive system during the colder months. In addition, seasonal fruits and vegetables often have the nutrients our body needs during the winter. 

My favorite broccoli cheddar soup recipe made by Liz Thomson @iheartveggies can be found here

Sleep

Taking just 10 - 15 minutes to sit quietly in the afternoon can feel rejuvenating, even if you can’t close your eyes and actually sleep. Just breathing or closing my eyes for this short time helps elevate my mood for the rest of the day. At night, prioritizing sleep and getting enough of it is so important. Yes, I really want to watch my favorite TV show, but I’d actually rather be well rested for the next day ahead.

Dismiss distractions

When prioritizing rest, it can be helpful to dismiss distractions as much as possible. Not looking at your cell phone, and definitely not right before bed, can really help limit distracting things that may pull you out of rest. 

If you’re prioritizing rest this January, let us know what works best for you in the comments!

Take good care,

-Michelle