how to embrace slowing down in january

i don't know about you all, but i'm tired. after the holidays wind down, i look forward to retreating into my cozy little sanctuary and getting some much needed rest. new year's eve literally sends the entire past year out with a bang. fireworks explode, or if you're in louisville, kentucky, guns are shot into the air (which i wish would stop), and alcohol is served in celebration. if you're an introvert like me, the holidays are a lot mentally, physically and emotionally. you see people you haven't seen in awhile, and try to keep up with the demand of gathering with family and friends. it can be draining. even if you're not an introvert, so much celebration packed into one month (from thanksgiving through new year's eve) is definitely a lot to keep up with. for me, this is why january comes at just the right time. i know for many, january feels like a depressing month in contrast to the previous several months. depending on where you live, it's cold and dreary and people are ready for spring... but what if we made an effort to experience january as an invitation to rest and recharge after a busy holiday season and before spring arrives?

our capitalist society does not value or appreciate the need to slow down for life's sake. we are conditioned to think that rest is for the weak, or that we only need a tiny fraction of the amount of rest our bodies so desperately crave and require to function optimally. we are conditioned to think we must stay productive and keep the momentum in order to sustain even some of the lowest standards of living. but what if we instead saw rest as a sign of strength and a necessity for being able to in show up in society as our best selves? after all, nature is dormant during the winter. why aren't we? i know it is what it is, and to be able to actually slow down and rest is easier said than done. i do think, however, that there are little things we can do to try and take care of our mind, body and spirit during this time. here are some ways to practice self care in the month of january.

hot baths at night

a simple hot bath is not only relaxing, but good for your overall health. being submerged in hot water can reduce inflammation, improve your circulation, reduce blood pressure, provide pain relief, reduce stress and promote sleep. take this time to lay back and breathe, even if only for ten or fifteen minutes. spruce it up with some epsom salt and dim, warm light. listen to your favorite music or enjoy the silence.

moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

how dry is your skin? mine too. after your bath, treat yourself to some body lotion. i recommend weleda's line of skin food. it's thick upon application, but quickly absorbs into your skin. the ingredients are far better than your average drug store lotion, and a jar or tube lasts a good amount of time. the price seems expensive up front, but because of how long it lasts, it's pretty affordable in the long run.

a soft, warm blanket

this one is pretty obvious and i'm sure everyone already knows this, but i can't emphasize enough how important a good soft, warm blanket is during depression season. this one doesn't really require much clarification.

heated slippers

so my mother in law got me some lavender scented heated slippers for my birthday last year (my birthday is in the middle of december, so the gift was seasonally appropriate), and while at first i didn't know if i would actually use them, i quickly became a fan, and now i find myself reaching for my slippers most nights when it's cold and i need extra comfort. something that weirded me out about them at first was the fact that you heat them up in the microwave. if you know me, you know i'm wary of what i put in the microwave, what i put in the dishwasher, etc. however, i was feeling a little whatever that night and thought, "what the hell, i'll try it." i'm glad i did! you should make sure to clean your microwave between uses, but this is definitely a good way to stay warm and experience comfort during this time. i think the brand was called warmies.

hot tea

i've been going through my hot tea supply like crazy lately. ginger tea, chamomile, green tea, and golden milk. i love the harney and sons golden milk powder from world market. it's healthy, warm and comforting.

flannel sheets

i should've pulled out the flannel sheets a long time ago, like when it first got cold outside. this has made a world of difference with my quality of sleep this past month. i've found that my sleep is more uninterrupted, probably because i'm not as cold at random points throughout the night.

your favorite tv, book, or music

if you feel like all you want to do is watch tv, or sit and read or listen to music - do not feel bad or guilty about it. you are not lazy. you deserve to do nothing sometimes.

warm dessert

have a warm slice of pie, some warm cobbler, or anything else sweet that your heart desires. anything to warm and comfort your soul.