Gentle Beginnings: Prioritising Self Care and Nourishment - Mind, Body & Soul.

January often arrives with a strange mix of relief and exhaustion. After weeks of Christmas build-up—shopping, planning, hosting, travelling, socialising—the sudden quiet of the new year can feel both welcome and overwhelming. This “post-Christmas chaos” doesn’t always disappear when the decorations come down; instead, it often lands in our bodies and minds as fatigue, stress or emotional fog. That’s why January is one of the most important months to prioritise self-care—slow, grounding, restorative self-care that helps you settle back into yourself. And that's exactly my intention this month. For me, the last few weeks have been about reflection, it's been a time to reassess a few things, 'loosely' plan for the year ahead AND take some time to rest and recover.

2025 was a busy and full on year for Bare Health and also at home. It was a bit of a rollercoaster and in short, I took too much on, kept 'plodding on' and let my usual 'self care' routine 'slide' somewhat. September arrived and I began to feel tired and a little exhausted. So it was no surprise when the 'lurgy' descended at the beginning of October, and, for the first time in years I had to take a few days off. That little blighter took a number of weeks to get over and then in November (as things were getting super busy at work for the festive season) I developed a cold which set me back again. Early December, however, I was feeling more human and I remember thinking to myself 'yes!' I feel like myself again and started looking forward to the imminent Christmas celebrations! I spoke to soon! The week before Christmas my lovely and also very busy hubby developed the flu and needless to say, not long after, I developed a version of (less the fever and chest infection) just in time for Christmas - and yes, our planned festivities were put on hold. Now, this is not a sob story by any means and it was certainly not a surprise that I succumbed to these seasonal viruses, and that they found a 'chink' in my armour, despite my best efforts. How many times doe's one need to be hit around the head with a frying pan? In my case, three. My body was ringing the warning bells and I chose to ignore because obviously I'm superwoman! Not! Sometimes, you just have to get on, it's not always possible to down tools at a moments notice and I'm sure many of you will resonate with that, but, continuing on autopilot and running on empty will eventually, catch up. For me, I needed to rest and on this occasion, I was forced into it.

However, there is a positive here and it's this, being stopped in my tracks allowed me the space and time to reassess things. 2026 is the time for a 'gentle' MOT and an opportunity for change and growth. it's time to factor in some 'me time' to my busy schedule. I don't need or have to jump into this new year all guns firing, I need to ease myself in. Gentle beginnings and all that. It's time to calm my wired and tired nervous system, rest some more, let things flow and focus on nourishing my mind, body & soul. For me, that's what the winter season is all about. And then as Spring arrives with it's new energy, I'll be ready to embrace it. But for now, it's one day at a time and making small changes can bring big benefits...

One of the simplest ways to ease into the new year is by reclaiming your routine. The holiday season (as well as illness) tends to disrupt sleep patterns, eating habits and daily rhythms. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once; small, steady shifts make the biggest difference. Try re-establishing consistent sleep and wake times, building in gentle morning rituals, or preparing nourishing meals that support your energy rather than deplete it. These small acts help your nervous system find predictability again.

January is also a perfect time to go gentle on your digestion after weeks of festive feasting. Heavy meals, alcohol and sugary treats can leave your gut feeling sluggish, so focusing on whole, unprocessed foods can help restore balance. Incorporate plenty of vegetables, leafy greens, warming soups and fibre-rich meals to encourage healthy digestion and stable energy. Digestive bitters—such as dandelion and centaurium —may also help stimulate digestive function. Reducing alcohol and easing back on sugar gives your body space to recover, while supporting your immune system naturally at a time when seasonal bugs tend to circulate.

It’s also worth remembering that stress, lack of sleep and a less-than-ideal diet over the Christmas period can create nutrient shortfalls—especially in areas linked to energy, immunity, liver function and digestion. Stress can deplete B vitamins, which play a key role in mood and energy production, and excessive sugar and alcohol can strain immunity. As you reset in January, consider focusing on foods rich in vitamin C, magnesium and zinc—nutrients that contribute to immune resilience and overall vitality. Many people also explore liver-supporting herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion or artichoke as part of a gentle new-year reset.

January is also a perfect time to reconnect with rest. You don’t need to race into resolutions; you can ease into the year through quiet activities that refill you—reading, journaling, walking, stretching, or simply enjoying moments of stillness. I've been reading and studying a little, getting some fresh air and taking short walks with Bracken and I've recently joined a yoga class at the Yoga Tree - it's time out for me and let's me be in the moment and stills my busy mind whilst increasing flexibility and strength. I'm nourishing my body with healthy foods and snacks, drinking more water, I've reviewed my supplement program and getting back into my daily routine of taking them. This week I've opened my calm app too. It's been a while and that's getting me into a new morning routine. For now, that's enough and I'm already feeling the benefits of these small changes.

By slowing down, nourishing your body and tending to your emotional wellbeing, you lay the groundwork for a calmer, more intentional year—one rooted not in pressure, but in genuine care for yourself. Oh and this year there'll also be laughter and fun on the cards. For anyone that knows me well will know I love a good giggle! Who's with me?

My January wins so far...

Rest - early nights and making more time time to stop and have a break at work. Taking time for a brew and making sure I sit down for lunch and have five. I certainly feel more productive for doing so

Exercise - regular short walks as I'm still recovering and aware of not overdoing things right now. Yoga.

Nutrition & Hydration - the focus is on nourishing my body with foods that support hormonal balance (I'm perimenopausal), immune health, digestion and gut health and balance the nervous system. Minimising ultra processed foods and sugary foods- although, there's still a bit of Christmas cake to devour! Keeping regularly hydrated. Swapping coffee for dandelion coffee and herb teas. I've increased my intake of fruit,and veg, wholegrains and legumes, and ensuring I'm getting protein and complex carbs from a variety of sources and focusing on increasing my fibre intake too. Im working towards a varied, wholesome and rainbow diet and organic where possible.

Supplementation - Regenerative Omegas, Natroceutics B Complex, Natroceutics Saffron, Natroceutics Optivita, Viridian Magnesium, Natures Plus Magnesium NightTime, Cherry Active, Natures Plus Tri Immune, Herbtender - calm & collected, Terranova Vitamin D3, Natroceutics Liposomal Vitamin C

For more information do pop by Bare Health and speak to a member of our fantastic team! We are always more than happy to chat and find the best approaches to support your health and wellbeing, naturally.

Have you used our 2026 January 15% discount?

If not, then you still have time! You can save 15% off ONE transaction in store at Bare Health this January simply mention NEWYEARBLOG15 at the till. It's the perfect opportunity to make some fantastic savings on your favourite health and wellness essentials!

Offer excludes already discounted items, vouchers, events and holistic therapies.

Mypping, planning, hosting, travelling, socialising—the sudden quiet of the new year can feel both welcome and overwhelming. This “post-Christmas chaos” doesn’t always disappear when the decorations come down; instead, it often lands in our bodies and minds as fatigue, stress or emotional fog. That’s why January is one of the most important months to prioritise self-care—slow, grounding, restorative self-care that helps you settle back into yourself. One of the simplest ways to start is by reclaiming your routine. The holiday season tends to disrupt sleep patterns, eating habits and daily rhythms. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once; small, steady shifts make the biggest difference. Try re-establishing consistent sleep and wake times, building in gentle morning rituals, or preparing nourishing meals that support your energy rather than deplete it. These small acts help your nervous system find predictability again. January is also a perfect time to go gentle on your digestion after weeks of festive feasting. Heavy meals, alcohol and sugary treats can leave your gut feeling sluggish, so focusing on whole, unprocessed foods can help restore balance. Incorporate plenty of vegetables, leafy greens, warming soups and fibre-rich meals to encourage healthy digestion and stable energy. Digestive bitters—such as dandelion, gentian or citrus peel—may also help stimulate digestive function. Reducing alcohol and easing back on sugar gives your body space to recover, while supporting your immune system naturally at a time when seasonal bugs tend to circulate. It’s also worth remembering that stress, lack of sleep and a less-than-ideal diet over the Christmas period can create nutrient shortfalls—especially in areas linked to energy, immunity, liver function and digestion. Stress can deplete B vitamins, which play a key role in mood and energy production, and excessive sugar and alcohol can strain immunity. As you reset in January, consider focusing on foods rich in vitamin C, magnesium and zinc—nutrients that contribute to immune resilience and overall vitality. Many people also explore liver-supporting herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion or artichoke as part of a gentle new-year reset. January is also a perfect time to reconnect with rest. You don’t need to race into resolutions; you can ease into the year through quiet activities that refill you—reading, journaling, walking, stretching, or simply enjoying moments of stillness. By slowing down, nourishing your body and tending to your emotional wellbeing, you lay the groundwork for a calmer, more intentional year—one rooted not in pressure, but in genuine care for yourself.January often arrives with a strange mix of relief and exhaustion. After weeks of Christmas build-up—shopping, planning, hosting, travelling, socialising—the sudden quiet of the new year can feel both welcome and overwhelming. This “post-Christmas chaos” doesn’t always disappear when the decorations come down; instead, it often lands in our bodies and minds as fatigue, stress or emotional fog. That’s why January is one of the most important months to prioritise self-care—slow, grounding, restorative self-care that helps you settle back into yourself. One of the simplest ways to start is by reclaiming your routine. The holiday season tends to disrupt sleep patterns, eating habits and daily rhythms. You don’t need to overhaul everything at once; small, steady shifts make the biggest difference. Try re-establishing consistent sleep and wake times, building in gentle morning rituals, or preparing nourishing meals that support your energy rather than deplete it. These small acts help your nervous system find predictability again. January is also a perfect time to go gentle on your digestion after weeks of festive feasting. Heavy meals, alcohol and sugary treats can leave your gut feeling sluggish, so focusing on whole, unprocessed foods can help restore balance. Incorporate plenty of vegetables, leafy greens, warming soups and fibre-rich meals to encourage healthy digestion and stable energy. Digestive bitters—such as dandelion, gentian or citrus peel—may also help stimulate digestive function. Reducing alcohol and easing back on sugar gives your body space to recover, while supporting your immune system naturally at a time when seasonal bugs tend to circulate. It’s also worth remembering that stress, lack of sleep and a less-than-ideal diet over the Christmas period can create nutrient shortfalls—especially in areas linked to energy, immunity, liver function and digestion. Stress can deplete B vitamins, which play a key role in mood and energy production, and excessive sugar and alcohol can strain immunity. As you reset in January, consider focusing on foods rich in vitamin C, magnesium and zinc—nutrients that contribute to immune resilience and overall vitality. Many people also explore liver-supporting herbs such as milk thistle, dandelion or artichoke as part of a gentle new-year reset. January is also a perfect time to reconnect with rest. You don’t need to race into resolutions; you can ease into the year through quiet activities that refill you—reading, journaling, walking, stretching, or simply enjoying moments of stillness. By slowing down, nourishing your body and tending to your emotional wellbeing, you lay the groundwork for a calmer, more intentional year—one rooted not in pressure, but in genuine care for yourself.