It’s Okay to Just Rest in January
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Embracing the Stillness of January
I hope this finds you well and safe. Here in Western Maine, we’re in the midst of a cold snap. I’ve had a few days off and spent them tending my woodstove and relaxing. My nursing school clinicals kick off this week, marking the start of what will be a very rigorous year. I’m feeling both nervous and excited. But as I look around at the quiet of this season, I’m reminded of something important: it’s okay to just rest in January.
The Beauty of Winter’s Quiet
Outside, winter is on full display in all its icy beauty. The sky alternates between a brilliant blue and layers of white and gray clouds. The friendly, puffy clouds of summer have been replaced by sweeping, gray-blue stretches, giving everything a quiet, muted tone. The trees in my gardens stand in solemn observance of the season. Yesterday, a cold wind blew through, making the trees creak and sway. Ice and snow packed tightly on the ground crunch underfoot. Everything feels slower, quieter, and still—a perfect reflection of what January invites us to embrace.
Why January Isn’t Always the Best Time for Resolutions
I’ve always marveled at people who dive headfirst into new routines at the start of the year. The energy to set ambitious resolutions, to jump straight into productivity, can feel at odds with the rhythm of winter. For me, this time of year feels more like an opportunity to refresh my spaces, tidy up, and start thinking about the coming growing season—but not to dive into action just yet. January calls for something different: rest and reflection.
The Influence of Capitalism on New Year’s Resolutions
The push for New Year’s resolutions often feels tied to the demands of capitalism. We’re encouraged to "optimize" ourselves—whether through gym memberships, productivity planners, or a slew of other purchases aimed at self-improvement. But what if we stepped back and instead tuned into the natural rhythms of the Wheel of the Year? Winter is a season of stillness and recovery, not a time for forcing ourselves into constant action. If resolutions don’t resonate with you, consider an alternative: setting intentions. Unlike rigid goals, intentions are fluid and allow space for growth over time. I find journaling to be one of the best ways to hone in on what I want to be, do, and have in life. This design is one of my favorites.
The Wheel of the Year and the Restful Energy of Winter
The lead-up to Imbolc, the midway point between winter solstice and spring equinox, reminds us that we are still in the heart of winter. While the days are slowly growing longer, this is a season of quiet preparation, of gathering strength for what’s to come. Even with work and school on my plate, I try to honor this time as a season of rest as much as I can.
Alternatives to Resolutions: Setting Intentions
There’s so much pressure in our culture to hit the ground running at the start of a new year. We’re encouraged to set goals, make plans, and start fresh. And while that works for some, it’s okay if January feels more like a time to pause and breathe. Resting isn’t laziness; it’s a necessary part of the cycle. It’s how we recharge so we can meet the demands of spring when it arrives. Winter gives us permission to slow down, reflect, and dream. The Year of the Witch by Temperance Alden is a great read for ideas on how to approach the calendar year through the lens of seasonality and the Wheel of the Year.
Honor the Season in Your Own Way
So if you’ve been feeling the weight of expectations to "do more" or "be better" right now, give yourself permission to let those pressures go. Rest is a gift we can give ourselves—and it’s one that aligns perfectly with the season.
What does January and midwinter look like for you? Are you leaning into the stillness, or are you feeling pulled to action? Wherever you find yourself, know that it’s okay to honor this time in a way that feels right for you.
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New Year, New Intentions: Start 2025 with Purpose
This post may include affiliate links* and I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Mabon House only features products that I believe in and use myself or that I believe my readers would enjoy. Thank you!
Even if you follow the Wheel of the Year, the start of new calendar year is often a good time to to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the months ahead. Whether you’re into goal-setting, manifestation, or just making small, meaningful changes in your daily life, January offers a blank canvas to create the year you desire.
Here are a few ideas to help you kickstart 2025 with clarity and purpose.
1. Set Intentions, Not Resolutions
Let’s be honest—New Year’s resolutions often feel like a to-do list you’re bound to abandon by February. Instead of rigid goals, try setting intentions. Think about how you want to feel this year—peaceful, energized, focused? Write those feelings down in a dedicated journal like this beautiful guided journal. It’s an easy way to stay aligned with what truly matters.
2. Create Rituals to Support Your Goals
Small daily rituals can help you stay grounded and consistent. Light a candle each morning as you write your to-do list or meditate for 5 minutes before bed. I try to clean up my living space before I go to bed each night. This includes doing up any dishes and cleaning the kitchen counters, picking up my living room and washing/folding/put away the laundry. Now, I don’t do this EVERY night. But when I do take the time to tidy up, I feel much better when I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning.
3. Refresh Your Space
If you feel like you need more than just a tidy up, taking time to declutter your home can help signal a fresh beginning. For me, a cluttered home leads to a cluttered mind. If you feel overwhelm at the thought a of a deeper clean, try starting small —organize your desk, clear out your pantry, or finally tackle that junk drawer. To make this easier, I like these style of storage bins and this organic cleaner (it smells amazing!)
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths (though those are nice too). It’s about nourishing your mind, body, and soul. Carve out time each week for yourself—whether that’s a yoga class, a long walk, or reading a book that inspires you.
I’ve recently started cutting back on caffeine and switched to these calming tea blends as a way to show myself some self care. I was enjoying a dandelion tea from the same company, but then discovered it has caffeine in it, so that is reserved for intermittent use.
5. Stay Connected to Nature
Winter can feel isolating, but connecting with nature—even in small ways—can lift your spirits. Bundle up and take a walk in the snow, set up a bird feeder outside your window, or bring some greenery indoors with an easy-to-care-for plant like a pothos or snake plant.
If you want to incorporate more natural elements into your daily routine, check out this set of seasonal intention cards for Imbolc to stay in tune with the cycles of nature in the coming months.
Ready to Start Your Year?
The New Year is an opportunity to reset, realign, and reconnect with yourself. Start small, stay intentional, and celebrate every step forward—no matter how tiny.
Which of these tips will you try first? Let me know in the comments! Here’s to a magical and fulfilling 2025!
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