The Unpolished Bits – January Reflections

January Overview

The start of January has unfolded at a gentler pace, offering a welcome contrast to the intensity of the previous months. I began the year on annual leave until the 12th, and the time away from work provided a much‑needed period of rest and recalibration. However, the return to routine brought its own challenges. Within two weeks of being back at work, I found myself feeling drained, overwhelmed, and noticeably fatigued. A particularly stressful and prolonged fifteen-day period (yep 15 days) added another layer of exhaustion. In truth, the month has left me feeling somewhat flat — not unwell, but not entirely myself either. This space is where I allow the unpolished parts to be seen.

Monthly Theme or Focus

The central focus of this month has been sleep. The year began with an early night — asleep by 9:30 p.m., which is my preferred way to welcome a new year — but I was wide awake again at 3:30 a.m. This happens often especially after COVID which I had back in November for third time. The only thing I have ever found that has helped with this is to force a reset. I forced myself to stay up when my alarm sounded at 5, and the resulting exhaustion was a stark reminder of how fragile my sleep rhythm can be. This is precisely why I try to reset my routine during annual leave; breaking the cycle requires significant energy and consistency.

The first few days were difficult, but gradually my sleep began to stabilise. I still wake during the night to use the bathroom, yet I am now falling back to sleep more easily, not staying awake at 2 or 3.30 in the morning, which feels like meaningful progress.

Alongside sleep, I have been examining my relationship with social media. Even without Instagram, I have noticed how easily my phone consumption creeps up — sometimes reaching three to four hours on days off. Although I set a 20‑minute app limit, overriding it is far too simple. My current strategy is to place my phone physically out of reach, tucked away in a drawer, to reduce the temptation to scroll mindlessly. This small environmental shift has already begun to make a difference.

How My Yearly Goals Are Showing Up This Month

My yearly goals are beginning to take shape in subtle but encouraging ways:

• Spiritual

I have been aiming to maintain a daily asana yoga practice, and so far this has been one of the most supportive habits of the month. A spontaneous conversation with my hairdresser offered an important reframing: rather than striving for an unbroken streak of 365 days, I can simply focus on accumulating as many practice days as possible throughout the year. This perspective removes the pressure of perfection and keeps me motivated even when I inevitably miss a day.

• Mental Health

I have been making an effort to practise what I encourage in others — small, manageable actions that support wellbeing. Reading a few pages of a book or taking a short walk during my lunch break may not seem significant, but they align with my current energy levels and offer gentle, sustainable support.

• Financial

January has been a positive month financially. I remained under budget, which has left me with some surplus at the end of the month. This sense of stability feels grounding.

What’s Helping

One of the most helpful supports this month has been keeping healthy, enjoyable snacks readily available. They are quick to prepare, genuinely tasty, and feel like a treat without compromising my wellbeing. Having nourishing options on hand has made it easier to maintain steady energy levels and stabilise my mood during busier days.

What’s Slipping (and Why That’s Okay)

If I am honest, most habits slip the moment work becomes busy. It is far easier to maintain routines during periods of rest, and far more challenging once the demands of daily life return. Acknowledging this without judgement is important. Slipping does not mean failing; it simply reflects the reality of fluctuating capacity. This is part of the unpolished truth I want to share.

Gentle Intentions for Next Month

Looking ahead, my intention is to explore ways to reduce stress at work. This may involve adjusting expectations, refining boundaries, or identifying small practices that help me stay grounded throughout the day. The aim is not to overhaul my routine but to create a little more spaciousness and ease within it.