Why your body does NOT want change in January

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Jan 1
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

About winter, calendar chaos and biology that knows better

If you feel tired instead of motivated in January, you are not 'weak', 'broken' or 'lacking willpower'.

You are biologically normal.

The problem is not with you.

The problem lies with the calendar.

January as a symbol of a 'new beginning' is an administrative construct, not a biological one. And our bodies – much to the disappointment of planners, managers and motivational coaches – have not been updated in Excel.

They still operate according to the rhythms of nature, not conventional dates.

Winter according to the body (not the calendar)

In Chinese medicine, winter is the season of the kidneys.

And the kidneys are not concerned with "making resolutions".

They are responsible for storing the energy of life – Jing.

Winter is a time for saving.

Regeneration.

Silence.

Gathering resources for later.

Physiologically, this means that metabolism naturally slows down, the nervous system demands fewer stimuli, libido and ambition decline, and the need for sleep increases. This is not a system error. It is a survival strategy embedded in human biology.

In nature, no one starts a new project in January, goes on a restrictive diet or makes life-changing decisions. Trees do not produce leaves "in reserve" and bears do not sign up for marathons. Only humans came up with the idea that the middle of winter is the perfect time for a "new life".

Who created this calendar mess?

Historically, the beginning of the year fell in spring – in March or April. A time when the days are getting longer, the earth begins to breathe, energy is growing, and the body naturally wants to move. The Romans also began their year in March. Its patron, Mars, was the god of movement, energy and action.

The change to January was not a biological decision. It was logistical. Political. Administrative.

It was easier to plan taxes, the military, resources and subject people to a single, rigid rhythm. The aim was to standardise time and detach it from nature.

Except that the body never agreed to this.

Why does the body resist change in January?

From a biological perspective, January is the middle of winter and the lowest level of yang energy in the year. It is a time to conserve resources, not spend them. When you tell your body at this point, "now is the time to diet," "now is the time to change your life," "now is the time to motivate yourself," your body responds simply: not now, it's dangerous.

This is when fatigue, apathy, low mood, guilt and the familiar "I don't feel like doing anything" set in. It's not because there's something wrong with you. It's just because you're trying to swim in an icy river and you're surprised that your body is screaming.

January as a time for letting go, not resolutions

From the perspective of Total Biology and Chinese medicine, January is ideal for closing things off, reflection, observation, regeneration and minimalism. The body wants fewer decisions, less pressure, fewer "musts" and more simplicity. This is not the time to start, but to prepare the ground. The real start comes on its own – as the days get longer. And you don't need to motivate it.

Biological humour? Imagine turning off the light, going to bed, and someone shouting at you: "COME ON, NOW ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS!". Absurd. And that's exactly what we do to ourselves in January.

What to do in January (and what not to do biologically)

In TCM, winter is a time to conserve Jing. Every "more" acts like a withdrawal from your savings account. January is a time for limiting, not adding: fewer meetings, fewer stimuli, fewer decisions. It's also a time for longer sleep without guilt – sleep is a time for integration and repair, and shortening it in the name of productivity is like turning off system updates during installation.

In winter, the body needs warmth. Warm food, regularity and nutrition.

Soup wins over salad, and detoxes and fasting are biological sabotage. It is also a time for tidying up, not revolution – closing, recording, reflecting. And accepting a slower emotional pace.

What not to do? Do not start restrictive diets. Do not make life decisions when your hormones are at their lowest. Do not force yourself to be motivated and do not interpret apathy as failure. In Total Biology, apathy very often means: do not do anything that could harm you.

Biological conclusion

January is not a spoiled April.

It is a full-fledged winter.

And trying to live in January as if it were May is a bit like going out in flip-flops in the snow and complaining to the weather for not cooperating.

Your body is not against you.

It just knows a calendar older than the one on your phone.

And if you want to do one smart thing for your health in January, let it be not a new plan, but acceptance of the right moment.

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