A Gentle New Year: Slow Down & Nurture Mind, Body, and Soul

2022 has been a rough year for many. If you are reading this and feeling like you are still trying to gain your footing from the past year (or three), I must say that I am right there with you. There is a lot that has felt broken, and there is a lot that has also transformed; there has both been grief and growth. 

Let us give ourselves some grace for all that we have endured over these past few months. Let us bring our attention to what we need to water and nourish the most in our current state of being. 

How Do YOU Want to Start the New Year?

I love seeing everyone set intentions and resolutions. I’m a big fan of journaling and self-reflection myself (often daily!). But this year, I’m sensing the need to slow down and nurture rather than dive headfirst into new goals.

  • Do you feel ready to jump straight into something new?

  • Or do you need time to sit, reflect, and plan how you want to expand, heal, and nurture yourself this coming year?

Remember, it’s completely valid to honor your own pace. Winter, by its very nature, is a season of rest and reflection. If you’re feeling that call to move inward, you’re not behind—just in tune with what you need right now.

Embracing Winter’s Rhythm

Winter offers a reflective energy, a time for restoration and peace. It’s an invitation to explore what seeds you want to plant by the time spring arrives. Some years, I’m ready to leap into action on January 1st; others, I need more time in “the cocoon,” going inward and resting.

If you resonate with taking it slow, trust that. There’s beauty in both early starts and gentle pacing.

Winter's rhythm is very reflective; it’s a time of restoration and peace. It’s time to explore what we want to plant at the beginning of spring when we have a new beginning - a renewal. 

How to Set Intentional, Soul-Led Goals for the New Year

If you are tired of setting resolutions each year only to fail, try a new approach with intuitive intentions and see massive growth in all areas of your life this New Year!


3 Practical Ways for Mothers to Gain More Energy & Feel Better Mentally this Winter

I had originally planned a big January wellness push, but my body (and intuition) told me to move slower. Recently, I shared some tips on Instagram about restoring energy post-holidays. Below is that rundown with a few extra ideas. These can help you feel more centered while still honoring a calmer pace in the New Year.

EFT or Qigong for Gently Moving Energy

Sometimes, we are just too tired with the everyday tasks of motherhood to do a full workout, but oftentimes, we still need to shift our energy so we can release the built-up tension in our bodies. These are two of my favorite techniques for when I need to let go of stress and get out of my mind and back into my body.

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) involves gently tapping specific points on your body (similar to acupressure) while focusing on certain thoughts or affirmations. *stay tuned for more of this in the near future right here on Well-Rooted Motherhood. If you want to get regular updates, be sure to sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss out!

Qigong is a form of gentle movement and breathwork rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), designed to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy (Qi).

Why It Helps

  • Both EFT and Qigong help relieve stress and anxiety while boosting natural energy.

  • They bring mind, body, and emotions into harmony without requiring intense exercise.

Extra Tip

  • One of my favorite QiGong instructors on Youtube has a ton of FREE videos to explore. Check her out here!

Nutrient-Dense Foods

When fatigue creeps in, and mental clarity feels off, nutrient-dense meals can truly work wonders. Focus on proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats to stabilize energy levels. Restrictive diets (e.g., very low carb or very low fat) often stress the body further.

 
 

Eggs & Greens

  • 2 eggs (over easy or soft-boiled, if that’s your preference)

Sweet Potatoes

  • Slice into wedges, drizzle with olive oil & sea salt, and roast at 450°F for ~30 minutes

Mixed Green Salad

  • Blend of crunchy lettuce + spinach/spring mix

  • Cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, shredded carrots

  • 2 pieces of crispy bacon (oven-baked for less mess)

  • Simple Dressing: Juice of ½ lemon, sea salt & olive oil

(Optional) Fresh Squeezed OJ

  • For a little sweetness & extra vitamin boost

Why It Works

  • Proteins keep you full and help maintain muscle.

  • Complex Carbs (sweet potato) stabilize energy and blood sugar.

  • Healthy Fats from eggs, bacon, and olive oil support hormone balance and brain health.

  • Greens provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals to keep energy levels steady.

Prioritize

(Without Stressing About “Balance”)

“Balance in motherhood” can sometimes feel like a myth. Trying to do all the things every single day sets us up for exhaustion. Instead, learn to prioritize what truly matters, including your own well-being.

Quick Tips to Help You Prioritize

  • Make a Master List: Brain-dump everything you need or want to do this week.

  • Identify 1–2 Urgent Tasks Each Day: Tackle these first; anything beyond that is bonus.

  • Chunk It Out: Break tasks into manageable blocks that fit your life (e.g., 15-minute increments).

Don’t Forget Yourself

  • Write a separate list of things that bring you joy and relaxation.

  • Schedule at least one of these joyful activities daily, even if it’s a short 5-minute walk or a cup of tea on the porch.

Note: There’s a worksheet in my Fuel Your Soul eBook to help you create routines that align with your personal joy. Below are a few journal prompts, but if you want a deeper dive, be sure to download your free eBook!


Journal Prompts for Prioritizing Yourself in Motherhood

  1. What do you want your day to feel like?

  2. What relaxes you?

  3. What brings you joy?

  4. If you could do one thing for yourself every day (and time was not an issue), what would it be?

Reflecting on these can guide how you plan your daily routines and help you weave in personal time without guilt.

A Restorative Winter for Growth in the New Year

Thank you for joining me in this space! If you feel up to it, I’d love to hear your intentions for 2023—share in the comments below!

Remember, there’s no right way to start the New Year. Whether you’re ready to leap into fresh goals or take a more contemplative path, honor what your mind, body, and soul need during this reflective winter season.

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How to *Actually* Get Healthy in the New Year