Happy New Year and woohoo to the folks on that January mission to get fit or make a million pounds in three months. Enjoy!!!

But what if you have no excitement for this year? If hopes feel futile and you really can’t muster any motivation as we crawl further into the winter months? It’s ok!! Ditch the pressure to have goals, be happy or reinvent yourself. Give yourself permission to be wherever you are, to be sad, grumpy, tired. Or to grieve someone or something you are missing. But, remember to be kind to yourself too.

So what can you do to be gentle and generous with yourself in the middle of difficult emotions?

Personally I like to nurture the senses. To even indulge them. Not to sound trite but the simplest of things can offer us plenty of pleasure. Yep even when we’re struggling and have low energy. 

Here are some suggestions:

What can you see?

Add a splash of colour to your home with a bunch of flowers

Frame a favourite photo and place it where you can see it

Treat yourself to a print that’s pleasing to you

Watch a funny film or a series to sink your teeth into

Are you listening?

Listen to some music that fits your mood and allow it to move you. Either emotionally or physically

Seek out sounds in nature that you like, The sound of the birds in the morning or the flow of a river

Find a podcast or audiobook you’re interested in

Listen out for what trusted family and friends are saying to you. What are the positive messages?

Smell the coffee…

Or anything else you might like to make in the kitchen. Which foods do you love to smell?

What aromas do you like? Put them in your home, car or workplace.

Find your favourite candles or diffusers and put them all over the place. Some of the budget supermarkets have great ones.  

Or burn essential oils. Allow yourself to experiment with new aromas.

As always, nature. Ever abundant with flowers, trees, herbs and earthy smells (ok maybe not all of the earthy ones)

What tastes good?

Find a new recipe to try. There’s loads of simple ones free online.

Experiment with different herbs and spices

Share brunch or dinner with a friend

Create a new smoothie. Even if it doesn’t work you’ll have fun and make a mess!

A soft touch

Discover what material feels nice next to your skin and treat yourself to a scarf or even a new duvet cover or PJs. Especially if you’re wanting to hibernate. You’ll need them.

Emerge your whole body in a sumptuous bubble bath

Maybe book yourself a massage or a pedicure

Most of all, remember to rest. Sleep is good for the soul.

Try making it a habit do to at least one of these things for yourself everyday and remember you deserve to feel better. Happy experimenting.