Forget New Year’s Resolutions! We’re ‘Wintering’

Christmas is behind us, the tree is down and the last of the mince pies devoured. I truly hope you’ve had a wonderful break filled with laughter, chaos, and completely guilt-free indulgence. I know I did!

But now it's January the 1st.

No doubt your inbox and your newsfeed are being flooded with the "New Year, New You" crap!

As women, I swear we get it the worst. We’re told that the first day of the year is the day we have to shrink ourselves, fix ourselves, and start grinding. It’s always about what we look like, and never about how we actually feel or how we show up for our families.

If you aren't feeling that "New Year" energy, please just know: You are NOT alone.

In fact, research shows that about 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by mid-February. A direct result of trying to force growth in a season meant for rest. It’s completely against our human nature!

The Myth of the January Reset

For years, I thought I suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I absolutely dreaded the dark winter months. But it turns out I wasn’t depressed; I was just exhausted. I was trying to "hustle" and "grind" when my body was screaming at me to slow down and nurture her.

Since I made the shift to Wintering, that winter depression has completely vanished. I’m too busy resting and reflecting to even think about it.

Take a look out of your window, the Earth is resting, the trees are sleeping, the birds have gone on their holidays.

Biology doesn't lie: During winter, our bodies naturally produce more melatonin (making us sleepier) and our metabolism shifts to conserve energy.

If I went out to my allotment today and started throwing seeds into the frozen ground, they would totally fail to thrive, nothing would happen. There isn't enough light or energy to support them. You’re exactly the same. If you try to launch a massive life overhaul in the middle of a dark UK January, you are setting yourself up for burnout.

The Real New Year

Before the calendar was messed with in 1752, the New Year was celebrated in March/April. It aligned with the Spring Equinox; the moment the day becomes longer than the night. This is when I would consider it the 'Real New Year' because it’s when the Earth actually has the light and energy to support growth! It makes total sense when you think about it, doesn’t it?

The Wintering Phase

At Rebel Souls, we don’t do "New Year, New You." We do Foundations. January and February aren’t for "rebooting"; they are for reflection, inner work, and planning. They are for building the mental and financial foundations you need so that when April 1st hits, you don’t just start… you blossom!

Over the next two months, I’ll be sharing posts that focus on quiet preparation. 

No gym guilt. No restrictive diets. 

Just honest talk about gut health, mental clarity, and reclaiming our power.

Give yourself permission to slow down. You are Wintering

Stay warm. Reflect. The rebellion is coming, but first, we rest!

Chantelle x

Founder, Rebel Souls Conscious Collective.