January Slow Living To-Do List: A Gentle Start To A New Year

A new chapter, a fresh start... There is a very special feeling at the beginning of a New Year. Festive decorations will soon be put away, leaving our homes feeling airy and spacious. Many of us will be setting resolutions and planning the changes we want to implement over the next 12 months.

After the festive whirlwind, January feels like a breath of cold, fresh air. It’s a calm month of long nights, freezing temperatures and a sense of stillness that has settled over the natural world.

It is the perfect month to embrace slow living. January offers a quiet space to reflect and restore. Contrary to what common belief may suggest, we don’t need to jump into new routines immediately. Research shows that almost 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail, with the majority of people giving up by mid-February. I’m not pointing fingers, I’ve been there myself. Over the years, I’ve set countless New Year’s resolutions that failed miserably. The main reason for this is setting unrealistic goals and I hope this post will save you from falling into the same trap.

Instead of a harsh leap into big goals, I’m suggesting a soft start to the year - one that follows the rhythm of nature. Here’s my slow living to-do list to inspire a gentle start to the year:

1. Prioritise Rest

Nature pauses during the Winter months and we should too honour our own need to rest - both physically and mentally. Instead of jumping into an (unrealistic) fitness routine that leaves you with sore muscles and little joy, prioritise sleep and gentle movement. Warm up your body with nature walks and yoga to ease yourself into more energetic exercises later on.

A gentle reminder: Rest is not a luxury but an essential need for our well-being. There are different kinds of rest - not just physical and mental but also emotional, social and creative. These help us avoid burnout and allow us to enjoy our hobbies, friends, and family without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Reflect on the Past Year

Mid-winter is a great time to reflect on the past year. What were your highlights and lessons? This doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply think about what brought you joy last year and what you wish you had avoided.

Listening to your gut feeling is one of the best ways to set your direction for 2025. Deep down, you know what serves you well and what needs to go. Focus on how you want to feel in 2025 and set intentions that will help you live a calm, fulfilling life.

Here’s an example of my own intention: Instead of saying, “I want to keep my weight off and not gain it back in 2025” I say “I want to stay healthy and active because this is how I feel my best. This way, I can show up as the best version of myself - as a mum, wife, daughter and business owner. I will be mindful about my food and exercise.”

3. Take Care of Your Health

Cold and dark January is a time when many of us catch colds and it can also affect our mental health due to reduced daylight. Make sure you’re eating nourishing meals, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. Include immune-boosting ingredients like ginger and garlic in your meals. Try to go for a walk even on gloomy days - being out in nature will make you feel better no matter what.

4. Spend Time in Nature

Even in the depths of Winter, nature has so much to offer. It’s never too cold, you’re just not dressed warmly enough:)  Layer up and go for a walk. The English countryside has a special charm in Winter. With mist hanging over hills and bare trees, it feels like a scene from a Gothic novel, making you the main character.

One of my favourite things about the English countryside in Winter is hunting for snowdrops and primroses. They can appear as early as late December, so keep your eyes open for their white and yellow flowers along pathways and in wooded areas. These little messengers of hope remind us that Spring will eventually arrive with birdsong and sunshine.

5. Clear Out Christmas Decorations

Whether you do this on January 1st or like to keep your decorations up a little longer, at some point this month, it will be time to put the festive decor away and reset your home for new beginnings. Although the house might feel empty, it will also feel spacious and airy, ready for the New Year and a new chapter in your life.

6. Refresh Your Home for a Cosy Month Ahead

Once the decorations are gone, add cosy touches to your home to make it warm and inviting for January. Blankets and cushions add warmth, hand-made YR Studio candles bring the comfort of flickering flames, and fresh bulb flowers like hyacinths or daffodils add hope and optimism to your space.

7. Plan Your Garden

Although there isn’t much to do in the garden in January here in the UK, you can start planning for Spring. Think about any new plants or flowers you’d like to add. This year, I’m planning to prune my roses for the first time. I’m a bit nervous, so I’ve been watching lots of YouTube videos for tips on how to do it properly.

Early January is also still a good time to plant tulips for Spring (unless the ground is frozen, of course). If you’re itching to spend time in the garden, general maintenance eg, de-weeding is always helpful.

8. Find Joy in Small Things

January is a social time for setting big goals and jumping into new things, but in this New Year’s rush, it’s easy to miss the everyday joys. Slow living thrives on simplicity. Take time to appreciate small joys: the taste of your food, the unexpected sight of a snowdrop on your walk, or a quiet moment for yourself. Noticing these things reminds us that joy is often found in the simplest moments.

A Few Closing Words

I hope this first slow living to-do list of the year inspires you to tune in with nature and ease gently into your goals. May it help you set the tone for a mindful, meaningful year full of happy moments and inner peace.

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead!

Adriana x

Pictured: planting hyiacinth bulbs, our "Nourish to Flourish" Lemon Lavender candle and the beautiful greenhouses at Tyntesfield NT.