The first days of the new year can feel physically and mentally draining. There is a pressure to start January right. But sometimes, things don’t go according to the plan, we had extreme snowfall in Scotland leading to school closures and disrupted routines. Despite al this, many of us push through, trying to go above and beyond our limits, by thinking constant tiredness as a sign of weakness or laziness. But its not, tiredness is our body communicating. It’s not a flaw when energy feels low, focus drifts or irritability increases. It’s a signal, our body is asking for attention. In a world that prizes busyness, learning to listen to our body is a form of self care, an act of rebellion.
Why Tiredness Happens
Our body is a complex and intelligent system constantly balancing energy, hormones and stress responses. Much like heavy snowfall can cause disturbance to normal life here, even small imbalance can create tiredness or fatigue. A wide range of medical factors can also lead to persistent tiredness. Sleep disorders, respiratory issue, unhealthy lifestyle, depression and psychosocial stress remain some of the most common contributors.
The Importance of Rest
According to yoga philosophy, there are three energies in our body: sattva (calm energy), rajas (energy of action) and tamas (energy of inertia). Whenever there is imbalance in the energies, it can lead to fatigue.
Downtime is undervalued in our modern hustle culture, yet historically rest was considered a gift. Aristotle viewed work as necessary, but believed true mental and moral growth came through leisure. Neuroscience supports similar ideas today. Periods of deliberate rest recharge the mind and extend productivity. Rest is not idleness, it is intentional, active and restorative.
Small Ways to Listen and Rest
Begin by journalling daily energy patterns. Notice how mornings feel compared to afternoons and observe fluctuations across the day. Schedule work periods around natural energy pattern. Periods of focussed work lasting 90 to 120 minutes, followed by 20 to 30 minutes of rest boost concentration.
Work and rest are not opposites, they are partners. To make space for rest we need to approach work intentionally. Preparation brings ease. Setting priorities for the next day, preparing clothes and organising the workspace the night before reduces decision fatigue.
Take micro pauses during work hours by doing gentle routines like having a cup of tea, stretching, stepping outside for a short walk or practising slow breathing can help regulate the nervous system.
Engaging hobbies offer another form of restoration. Mentally absorbing and challenging activities nourish energy differently from professional work.
Protect evenings, weekends and vacations. Avoid mixing work and rest.
Short, intentional naps alongside consistent sleep routines support energy and mood.
How Coaching Helps
Health coaching isn’t about pushing harder or fixing flaws. It’s about understanding your body’s signals and creating gentle, sustainable changes. A small shift in awareness can transform the inner experience even when the outside world seems to be collapsing or snowed under. Read more about health coaching here.
This January, allow yourself to step into the year intentionally by listening, resting and working in harmony. If you’d like support noticing and responding to your body’s signals, I have a few 1:1 coaching spaces for January. DM JAN to explore gentle, practical ways to restore energy and balance even in weeks that feel completely derailed.