So we are officially in 2025 and every other post I see sends a strong ‘type A’ energy about goals, healthy lifestyle and ambitious plans making. Maybe this blog used to have the same energy before but it has been growing and evolving with my life and age, and as a tired mom of a toddler I no longer buy into these messages. Sure, we can be healthy and ambitious but throwing too much of it in my face when I am sleep deprived is not going to get my support. If you are like me, exhausted from planning celebrations, then celebrating holidays, tired from previous year or just not feeling it, keep reading. This is a safe space and a shame free zone.

I used to be bursting with energy, trying to plan, make a vision board and hit a gym to kick off the year. Now I am more like Grinch (you might be getting several references to Grinch as I have been made to watch it twice a day, every day for the last two weeks). Just like the happy people who are all about celebrating Christmas were irritating Grinch, the type A planners and inspired people are irritating to me now. Again, it does not mean what they are doing is wrong. But how they are doing is where I disagree, and here is why.

I think we need to start the year slowly, gently, like trying new food or entering the sea. Sure, some people would take a big bite of unfamiliar food or jump right into the sea water in the place they have never been before and pray for no sharks or other dangers. Good for them. But you know what, their approach to life is too risky for me. Eventually we will be just as productive and efficient as before but for now we need to take things slowly. To me, my mental health is more important than achieving anything.

Here is what I recommend instead: take a slow approach. Be gentle with entering this year. Here are examples:

• Instead of doing a vision board, think of three things you want to happen this year. Maybe plan one of them (like vacation). Or maybe just look up vacation ideas without actually jumping into planning
• Instead of hitting the gym, do some exercises at home. Do yoga, something nice for the body yet not heavy duty
• Let the planners and agendas sit on the desk for a bit longer. You can start filling them out next week. Instead watch a TV show or a movie
• Instead of cooking super healthy elaborate meal, get a takeout or order that meal. Reduce the amount of chores for yourself
• Instead of doing massive closet cleaning, update one-two items and leave the rest as is
• Reduce or postpone the number of social interactions (this works better if you are an introvert).

Now, here are other ways to start your year on a gentle note:

• Do more self care, such as long bubbly baths, lotions, creams, face massages. Everything gentle and relaxing (not scrubbing or cleaning pores using medieval torture methods etc.)
• Use aromatherapy – try different essential oils to create a relaxing atmosphere
• Do activities that require some focused attention – meditation, puzzles, board games, reading
• Do activities that spark creativity but where you enjoy yourself – drawing, painting, making something with your hands
• Journal your thoughts and feelings and just let them be
• Do at least one thing a day that aligns with how you feel. If you are feeling you need a break – take a break. Do not force yourself to do something you don’t want to do
• Listen to relaxing music or sounds
• Take time to do less – nap, daydream and rest