As we transition into 2025, Winter provides the perfect backdrop for thoughtful reflection and intention setting.
I am not a fan of setting New Year’s resolutions. They can be unsustainable, leading to guilt and failure when they are not fulfilled. Setting unrealistic expectations is just another form of self-sabotage and perfectionism, neither of which is helpful.
A resolution is defined as a firm decision to do or not to do something. Whereas an intention is defined as an aim or a plan. Interestingly, in medicine an intention is the healing process of a wound. I would like to believe this includes both physical and emotional wounds.
Whilst not the dictionary definition of an intention, I feel an intention is kinder and more permanent than a resolution. Resolutions to me always sound temporary and a bit like the start of a performance appraisal – specific and measurable but rarely attainable. We are our very own tricksy boss setting us up to ‘fail’. Whereas intentions are soft and more qualitative. Something we feel in our gut, which is why I guess I like them more.
It is important to take time to review our successes, challenges, and lessons of the past year. Journaling our thoughts can help clarify our feelings and guide our intentions.
We are often geniuses at negative wants, knowing and stating what we don’t want, rather than focusing on what we do want. Would we go to a restaurant and tell the waiter what we didn’t want?
Instead of only setting tangible goals consider the emotions we want to cultivate in the coming year. Whether it’s peace, joy, confidence, or balance, let these feelings shape our aspirations. Be truly creative rather than straight away jumping into the role of the realist or critic. We can be geniuses at that too.
Create SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (this is my old HR talent and leadership development hat here). Breaking our intentions into smaller, actionable steps ensures progress, and feels attainable and rewarding.
Choose a theme or word for the year. Select a guiding word or phrase that embodies our goals, such as, growth and wellbeing. This theme can serve as a guide throughout the year. My words for the year are contentment and authenticity.
Create a vision board to craft a visual representation of aspirations by including images, words, and symbols that inspire. We should display our vision board somewhere visible to keep our goals at the front of our mind. I crafted my vision board for the first time in 2020 and I am thrilled to say everything I put on it has either been achieved or is no longer important to me.
Celebrate small wins by acknowledging and celebrating progress throughout the year, no matter how small. Recognising achievements boosts motivation and confidence.
Life is unpredictable, so it is essential that we stay flexible and compassionate by being open to adjusting our goals as needed. We should treat ourselves with kindness, remembering that growth often takes unexpected paths.
It is important to include self-care in our intention setting by making space for personal wellbeing within our goals. Whether it’s committing to regular exercise, mindfulness practices, or creative hobbies, self-care is vital for achieving other objectives.
Winter is nature’s time to slow down, and we too can benefit from following this rhythm. Prioritising quality sleep by creating a calming bedtime routine and allowing extra downtime for restoration. Practices like yoga, meditation, or journaling can help restore energy and reduce stress.
Even in Winter, regular movement is essential for physical and mental wellbeing. Engaging in gentle activities like indoor yoga, stretching, or brisk walks outside when the weather permits. Movement helps improve circulation and maintain energy levels.
Cold, dry air can be dehydrating, so we must not forget to drink plenty of room temperature water throughout the day. Using a humidifier adds moisture to our homes, protecting our skin and respiratory health.
Nourishing our bodies with warming, nutrient-dense foods that supports our immune system is ideal in Winter. Think hearty soups, roasted vegetables, whole grains, oily fish, and seasonal produce. Incorporate immune-supporting ingredients like garlic, ginger, and turmeric into meals to stay resilient through the colder months. This is a non-exhaustive list but some of my go to foods.
Consider supplements, however, I do not consider this a long-term strategy. Affiliate links are included here for recommended supplements. You automatically receive 15% off when you create an account with Lily & Loaf via these links (create an account first before putting the items in your basket). To receive an additional 10% off use code LSH10 at checkout.
Take a good quality vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc supplement, or a targeted immunity multi-supplement. Probiotics are particularly beneficial as 70-80% of our immune system is in our gut. Echinacea stimulates the immune system and oregano oil is antiviral and antibacterial. It is also important to support the adrenals, particularly during times of stress, as stress can lower our immune system. Siberian ginseng or liquorice are good for this.
As with all supplements drug interactions and contraindications may apply.
Take a moment each day to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Practicing gratitude can improve our mental health and create a positive outlook, even during the darkest days of Winter.
Hibernating by turning our homes into a sanctuary by surrounding ourselves with soft blankets, warm lighting, and comforting rituals like sipping herbal tea or reading by the fire. Winter is the perfect time to focus on self-care and comfort.
Winter can feel isolating, so maintaining connections with loved ones is vital. Whether through phone calls, video chats, or in-person get togethers, nurturing relationships uplifts our spirit. Somerset Ladies in Business is great for this!
