Why January Isn’t the Right Time for New Year’s Resolutions by Jo Shipley

Feeling unmotivated in January? Discover why grounding the body and supporting the root chakra may work better than New Year’s resolutions.

As this new year arrived, the message I kept hearing was that 1 January is not actually the right ‘energetic’ moment to be making resolutions. There seemed to be a quiet truth bubbling away – that there is a mismatch between January’s seasonal energies and the idea of new beginnings. People are speaking into their natural cycle, rather than being dictated to by convention, tradition and expectation.

Now, I’m sure that in days gone by there was a good, energetic reason for the New Year to mark a cycle of new starts (a topic for another day, perhaps), but it does raise the question — what’s with the change?

As a Brit in Oz, I am still very discombobulated by the imposition of Northern European traditions into the Southern Hemisphere. January here is hot and leisurely – I’m struggling to feel any discipline or dramatic self-improvement at this time of year. I’m still slowing down, recovering, and enjoying simply being on holiday.

Even in the Northern Hemisphere, while the days have begun to lengthen after the solstice, the seasonal energy is still inward. There are months of quiet gestation ahead before new life begins to burst forth in spring. Whilst at the equator, there is no sharp seasonal shift at all – energy remains steady and grounded. January isn’t a fresh chapter so much as a continuation. And in the tropics, energy moves with heat and rain, carrying momentum and intensity rather than reflection.

So, if you are feeling very unmotivated at New Year, you may simply be sensing the difference between the calendar and the seasonal compass.

On top of this, social media is awash with commentary about the transition from the Year of the Snake into the Year  of the Horse – often overlooking the small but important detail that Chinese New Year doesn’t begin until mid February. Energetically, January belongs to the closing of the Snake cycle: a time of shedding, clearing and deep integration. Horse energy arrives with speed and forward motion in February – so once again, January is a closing cycle before the momentum begins.

How Grounding Supports the Root Chakra and Nervous System

My focus this January has been on grounding. From an energy-healing perspective, I see that real change happens far more easily when the body energetically feels grounded, ready and safe – not when we are ‘told’ to change.

I agree that we need discomfort to recognise when something needs to shift – whether that’s tiredness, frustration, or the “I’ve had enough!” moment. But wanting change is only the first step. Grounded energy systems – where the body’s energetic field is coherent and connected – are more whole, stable, and able to support physical and emotional wellbeing, and therefore more capable of supporting change.

Grounding is essentially:

• Anchoring your energy downward into your body and into the earth
• Clearing excess or scattered energy so you can stay present and energetically stable

When energy is scattered, resistance or self-sabotage may more easily arise. Instead, when we act from a grounded place, we can make thoughtful, aligned choices instead of reacting emotionally.

This is why January doesn’t need resolutions – it needs grounding.

Simple grounding techniques to support the root chakra

Here are some ways you can work with your body’s energy to support your root chakra to restore a sense of safety and stability:

1. Energetic awareness — Hara alignment

Bring your awareness into your body and gently sense a line of energy running from up above you, through your centre and down into the earth ,anchoring deeply into the ground and aligning your energy field so it feelssteady, present and connected.

2. Physical — Grounding belly breaths

Sit or stand with your feet on the floor, place one hand on your lower belly, breathe in slowly through your nose for four counts, then exhale through your mouth for six counts, allowing your body to soften and settle downward with each breath.

3. Crystals — Red Jasper & Hematite

Both are deeply grounding stones that help draw scattered energy back into the body, supporting stability, strength and a sense of being anchored in the present moment. They’re especially helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsteady or ‘up in your head.’ Hold during meditation or carry one in your pocket.

4. Herb — Ginger

A warming, centring root that supports digestion and circulation while gently bringing energy down into the body. Ginger helps settle the nervous system and restore a feeling of safety, comfort and grounded presence. Chop some fresh ginger and combine it with a thick slice of lemon to make a morning tea.

5. Australian Bush Flower Essence — Tall Yellow Top

Invaluable for feelings of being scattered or not belonging, Tall Yellow Top helps bring you home into your body, connecting heart and head, and supporting grounded embodiment.

At the end of January, I’m offering an intention-setting workshop that focuses on grounding. It’s the first in a series of chakra-focused sessions, beginning with the root chakra, the energetic centre of safety, stability and belonging. We will explore the support of energetic tools – such as crystals, essences and herbs – to create the conditions that allow the body to ground and prepare for change and creative manifestation. Find out more online at the What’s On at The H Dispensary.

If you’d like support shifting your energy using crystals and vibrational energy- healing practices, I would love to work with you in my Canberra therapy rooms.

You’re also invited to join me in person for my upcoming Crystal Chakra Workshop series in Canberra, ACT, throughout 2026 at The H Dispensary, Griffith, ACT. Dates online soon — bookings via What’s On at The H Dispensary.

Enjoying this content? Tune into my Wellness Valley Podcast, where I speak to inspirational healers and share stories of hope, wellbeing and personal growth (available on Spotify, Amazon and my website).

Find Jo Shipley, Sixth Sense Healing – online, on Instagram and at The H Dispensary.