Turning the Page: Intentions for a Healthy New Year

Last month we shared simple steps to "keep the shine on", focusing on little moments of

light, gratitude, and connection to navigate the busy and often heavy holiday season. Now that the festive rush is over, January brings us into the truest heart of the Seattle winter. The days are still short, but the focus shifts from coping with holiday stress to proactively planning a fulfilling, healthy start to the new year. Instead of just trying to endure the gray, let’s choose to explore and create new moments of warmth and purpose.

Here’s how to transition from the coping strategies of December to the proactive intentions of January:

1. Pivot from Resolutions to Intentions

Instead of setting daunting resolutions, let’s focus on meaningful intentions that support your well-being right now. Rather than aiming for perfection, choose a theme for the year that feels supportive and doable:

• Intention for Curiosity: Commit to learning one new small thing this month - a few phrases in a new language, a new recipe, or how to use a different feature on your smartphone.

• Intention for Movement: Move beyond brief outdoor breaks (which are still great!) and establish a gentle, indoor exercise routine. Think chair yoga, resistance band exercises, or simply stretching during commercial breaks to combat winter stiffness.

• Intention for Connection: Plan a regular virtual coffee date or join an ongoing community activity, like a virtual book club or a weekly card game group.

  
  

2. Embrace Indoor Exploration

January is a perfect time to turn inward and engage your mind. Use these cold, wet days as an opportunity for mental stimulation and fun:

• Mental Fitness: Challenge your brain with crosswords, Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, or trivia games. Research a topic you've always been curious about (genealogy is a favorite!).

• Creative Pursuits: Create a cozy, well-lit space and dive into a project you enjoy. Start knitting a scarf, try a simple painting tutorial online, or organize old photos into a scrapbook.

  
  

3. Prioritize Long-Term Winter Health

Now that the holidays are over, double down on the foundational elements of health to keep your immune system strong and your energy steady:

• Hydration is Key: Indoor heating is drying. Make it a point to drink warm herbal teas and water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is vital for energy and overall health.

• Safety First: Review your home safety. Are throw rugs non-slip? Do you have salt or sand for potential ice patches on your walkways? A little prevention goes a long way in avoiding winter slips and falls.

  
  

Remember, the goal for January is not to wait for spring, but to create warmth and light from within. Even in the deepest winter, small intentions can bring surprising warmth and clarity to our days.