Happy New Year! We hope you had a joyful and memorable Christmas. How has your first week back at work been? Transitioning from the festive cheer of December to the routine hustle of January can be a challenge for many. The Christmas tree is down, the decorations are packed away for another year and visiting friends and family have gone home. There’s a reason this month features Blue Monday, or the most depressing day of the year!
But the start of a new year also provides an opportunity to rediscover your zest for life and embrace the unlimited potential of the 12 months stretching before you. Here are our top tips for bringing a bit of ChattyFeet sparkle into 2026.
Do something out of the ordinary
You don’t need a dramatic life overhaul — just a small detour. Try something you wouldn’t normally make time for. Visit a gallery on your lunch break. Sign up for a pottery class. Take a different route home. Say yes to that idea you usually talk yourself out of. A little change can make the everyday feel unexpectedly alive.. Movement helps too, especially when it’s playful. Dance classes, hula hooping, long walks with no destination — anything that gets you moving and smiling counts. When you have something to look forward to, even the greyest weeks feel lighter.
Be kind to yourself and others
If your New Year’s resolutions have already gone slightly off-piste, congratulations — you’re human.
Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, notice what you are doing well. Progress isn’t loud or dramatic; it’s built from small moments of effort, care, and self-compassion. Celebrate those.
January is also a good time to show appreciation beyond the festive rush. Spend time with people who make you feel at ease. Tell them why you enjoy their company. We’re very good at saving gratitude for special occasions — but it’s even better when it turns up unannounced.
Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, notice what you are doing well. Progress isn’t loud or dramatic; it’s built from small moments of effort, care, and self-compassion. Celebrate those.
January is also a good time to show appreciation beyond the festive rush. Spend time with people who make you feel at ease. Tell them why you enjoy their company. We’re very good at saving gratitude for special occasions — but it’s even better when it turns up unannounced.
Take time to play
As adults, life can seem so serious and demanding that we rarely do something without a purpose, but just because we enjoy it. We could all do with rediscovering our inner child and seeking out moments of playfulness from time to time. Commit to scheduling regular “me time” for something you enjoy, spend time discovering the world, and embrace being silly whenever possible!
Eat well
Most of us overindulge during the festive period – those mince pies just kept on coming! – but January is the perfect time to reset the diet and turn over a new leaf. Some people give up alcohol this month or try out a plant-based regime (veganuary) but small changes can make a big difference. Boost your energy levels by bringing lots of vegetables back to your plate, say no to fatty foods and snacks, and drink lots of water. Combine this with regular exercise and you’ll be on the right track!
Laugh
Humans are social creatures and good relationships are essential for our mental wellbeing. Seek out people who laugh easily and find humour in the everyday – their playful nature and lighthearted approach will lift your spirits. Laughter is proven to boost endorphins, lower stress, and relax the whole body. Or, you might surround yourself with reminders to lighten up – a funny picture on the front of a notebook, a toy on your desk, or a pair of ChattyFeet socks that make you (and those around you) smile. Discover a collection of cool socks for women and you might also like our illustrated enamel pins.
