Why so many people are easing into the year and what actually helps right now.
This week began with Blue Monday – often labelled the “most difficult day of the year”. Whether or not you buy into the science, the timing makes sense. We’re still in winter, the light is low and for many people, January doesn’t deliver the fresh-start energy we are promised.
Instead of feeling behind, more people are recognising something important: this part of the year isn’t for forcing momentum, it’s for regulation. That shift is showing up everywhere: in how people are moving, resting, planning, and choosing support.
Why January feels different this year
There are a few reasons this slower start is being felt more widely:
- In the lunar calendar, we’re still in Snake energy – associated with rest, shedding and internal recalibration.
- The Year of the Horse, linked to movement and outward momentum, doesn’t begin until mid-February.
- Culturally, there’s a growing rejection of punishing New Year resolutions (Phew!)
- Nervous-system awareness has gone mainstream – people are noticing that pushing harder often leads to burnout, not progress.
The result? A quieter January, where many are choosing to wait – intentionally.
Less resolution, more regulation
What we’re seeing instead of rigid goal-setting is a focus on regulation – supporting the body and nervous system so energy can return naturally.
That might look like:
- prioritising sleep and light
- choosing gentler movement over intense training
- spending time in environments that calm the body
- delaying big decisions until energy feels clearer
This isn’t giving up. It’s creating the conditions for momentum later.
A personal note on energy (and learning the hard way)
As a (Human Design) Generator, I’ve learned – often through burnout, that my energy doesn’t respond well to pressure or forcing. Early in the year especially, I need to fill my own cup first. When I prioritise rest, regulation and alignment, my energy becomes magnetic. When I don’t, everything feels harder.
This isn’t unique to me. Many people are discovering that sustainable energy comes from responding to what’s right, not pushing through what isn’t.
What to Watch for a Soulful Awakening
Thoughtful films and series to slow you down, open you up, and gently shift perspective.
✨ COMPETITION – The January Regulation Reset (Not a Resolution) ✨
January doesn’t need another reset. For many of us, it needs regulation – support for energy, sleep and the nervous system as we ease into the year.
To mark this slower, more intentional start, we’re gifting one reader a January Regulation Reset – designed to help you fill your cup gently, not force momentum.
The prize includes:
- 2 x free tickets to a Bright Souls event in 2026
- A Magic of I Journal
- Our January Regulation Guide – a short, calming PDF we’re sharing exclusively with our newsletter subscribers
How to enter:
- Make sure you’re subscribed to the Bright Life newsletter.
- Head to our Instagram post and follow the entry steps there.
(follow, like, save, and tag one friend who’s also easing into the year) - See Terms & Conditions at bottom of page.
We’ll notify the winner by email and Instagram once the competition closes.
Less resolution. More regulation. Good luck ✨
What actually helps right now
Rather than a single “reset”, here are the practices we’re seeing genuinely support people through this phase:
If you feel tired – Start with sleep, light and evenings – not productivity hacks.
If movement feels heavy – Choose walking, Pilates, stretching or gentle strength work over high-intensity workouts.
If your nervous system feels overloaded – Sound baths, breathwork, heat and shared stillness can help the body downshift more deeply than solo routines.
If January feels rushed – It’s okay to let February be your real beginning.
Support doesn’t have to be solo
One thing we consistently see: people regulate more easily together.
On the Bright Sessions page, we list upcoming sound baths, breathwork sessions and restorative events happening in London and nearby over the coming months – experiences designed to support rest, regulation and reconnection, not performance.
If January has felt slow or heavy, being held in the right space can make a real difference.
A quieter way to move forward
This isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about doing what supports energy, rather than draining it.
January doesn’t need a hard reset. For many of us, it needs patience, warmth and regulation – so that when momentum arrives, we’re actually ready for it.
You’ll find the people, practices and events supporting this slower, steadier start across Bright Life and Bright Sessions.
#TheArtOfWellness
Stay Connected With Us
For more calm moments and curated wellness:
Competition Terms & Conditions
- The competition is open to UK residents aged 18 or over.
- To enter, participants must follow @wehavebrightsouls on Instagram and complete the entry steps outlined in the competition post.
- One (1) winner will be selected at random from all valid entries.
- The competition opens on the date of posting and closes at 12:00 midday (UK time) on Friday 16th February 2026.
- The prize includes:
- Two (2) tickets to a Bright Souls event taking place in 2026 (event date and location to be confirmed, subject to availability).
- One (1) Magic of I journal.
- Event tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and have no cash alternative.
- Travel, accommodation and any additional costs are not included.
- Bright Souls reserves the right to substitute the prize with an item of equal value if necessary.
- The winner will be contacted via Instagram and/or email within five (5) days of the competition closing.
- This competition is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram.
- By entering, participants agree to these terms and conditions
