Why 'New Year, New Me' Isn't It

Why 'New Year, New Me' Isn't It

We’ve all done it. The New Year rolls around and we get on board with the New Year, New Me mindset… until we’re one week into January, we’re freezing and it’s dark. Suddenly, overhauling your life sounds about as appealing as stepping on Lego. In fact, studies* show that most New Year’s resolutions fail within the first few weeks of the year, leaving many people feeling frustrated and disappointed. This cycle of setting unrealistic expectations, struggling to keep up, and then beating ourselves up when we fall short can take a toll on our mental health, making January feel even tougher.


It’s a brand new start.


We get it. The 1st of January feels like a clean slate — the perfect time for a fresh start, right? But humans aren’t machines. We can’t reset overnight, like the clock on our phones. The exhaustion, habits, and circumstances from last year don’t disappear the moment the calendar ticks over. And, as much as we might want to wake up feeling like a whole new person, it doesn’t always work that way.

In the winter, nature lies dormant. So why do we expect ourselves to make huge life changes and grind harder just because it’s a new year?


Tuning into the seasons


Winter is a time to slow down and relax, according to science.

Research shows that our Circadian Rhythm, also known as our body’s internal clock, is heavily influenced by the change in seasons and daylight hours.* This disruption can lead to increased melatonin production, making us feel more tired and sluggish.


Millions of people every year are affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and although this can occur at any time of year, it is most prevalent in the winter. Research has suggested that sunlight affects levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels*, so it’s not surprising that many people struggle with mood and energy levels when daylight hours are shorter.


A diet high in vitamin D and protein can play a key role in mood balancing, but it’s also important to prioritise rest and recovery.


So what can I do?


Here are some simple strategies to help you make the most of winter, and prepare for meaningful change later on.


  • Wait until the Spring - In nature, spring is the time for renewal and growth. Humans are no different. Our moods have improved, our energy levels have increased, and people are more likely to feel sociable and ready to tackle their goals. You don’t have to look far to find motivation either. You only have to look around you to see your environment coming back to life!

  • Embrace Comfort - The Danish concept of hygge encourages us to celebrate life’s simple pleasures and surround ourselves with things that bring joy and comfort. Light some candles, curl up with a good book, or bake a batch of healthy snacks. These small, intentional acts of self-care can improve your mental well-being and help you build resilience through the winter months.

  • Cut yourself some slack - In a society that glorifies productivity, it’s easy to be hard on yourself when you feel exhausted or frustrated. But turning negative self-talk inward only adds to the stress. Practicing self-compassion instead of self-criticism is linked to greater optimism, faster recovery from setbacks, and increased creativity and motivation.

Rest Now, Thrive Later


Opting for rest over tackling tough challenges like 75 Hard is crucial for setting up your future self for success. When the time comes to make those changes, you’ll be refreshed and prepared! Remember, rest isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s an investment in future you!


Source: NIMH, Patient Info, NHS Online, Psychology Today