By Jennifer Lima, Certified Wellness Coach
West Nyack, NY – January is often marketed as a time for fresh starts and ambitious resolutions. Yet for many, it feels more like moving through molasses. The post-holiday lull, limited daylight, and disrupted routines can lead to low energy, decreased motivation, and a general sense of heaviness. But this isn’t a failure of willpower—it’s a completely natural and expected response to winter.
“Quitter’s Day,” which typically falls around January 12th, is when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. The reason isn’t laziness or lack of discipline—it’s biology. Sudden changes in diet, exercise, and productivity can overwhelm the nervous system, especially when driven by external pressure rather than internal motivation.
Winter is biologically a slower season. The shorter days affect our circadian rhythms, mood, appetite, and ability to recover. That’s why this time of year calls for compassion and self-inquiry rather than hustle. Ask yourself:
- Does my body need more nourishment?
- Would gentle movement help?
- Can I get some fresh air and sunlight?
- Am I getting enough rest?
Each of these is interconnected. Quality sleep supports emotional resilience, metabolism, and even cellular repair. And our daytime habits—like exposure to natural light, movement, and nutrition—directly affect how well we sleep.
This winter, consider shifting your approach to health and productivity. Instead of rigid goals, try:
- Gentle movement: Walking, light stretching, and mobility exercises signal safety to the body and support long-term energy.
- Stress regulation: Practices like deep breathing, music, or moments of gratitude are more impactful than pushing harder.
- Seasonal nourishment: Warm, nutrient-rich foods like root vegetables, healthy fats, and warming spices—as found in traditions like Ayurveda—can stabilize energy and digestion.
Rather than resisting the season, what would it mean to honor your body’s rhythm and the Earth’s wisdom? Winter invites us to reset, reflect, and recharge—so we can bloom in spring.
To explore this further, you’re invited to a free 20–30 minute discovery session, available at Bella Vita Alchemy, or join the free introductory workshop on “Nurturing Your Metabolism” on Thursday, January 29th at 7 PM: Register Here.
And stay tuned: starting in February, a new series will launch, focused on aligning with Earth’s seasons and your life’s rhythms—supporting metabolism while honoring your unique path.