A Gentler Kind of January

January has a reputation for severity. We are told to purge, to restrict, to reinvent ourselves in a fortnight, and then to feel bad when it does not work. There is a gentler way to start the year.

1. Keep what works. Do not tear up your routine. Notice what is good and keep it.
2. Add one thing. A walk, a book, a glass of water first thing. One small addition is more sustainable than ten.
3. Sleep more. The darkest month is also the best for it. Go to bed half an hour earlier and see what happens.
4. Eat well, not less. Soups, stews and warm things. Winter is for nourishment.
5. See people. Plan something to look forward to in February, and put it in the diary now.

None of this will make headlines. All of it will make January easier, and by February you may find you have built something that lasts.