January always promises a clean slate and the dawn of new beginnings. Yet how do we usher in the new in the darkest time of the year?

The holiday lights are out and we are left with that sluggish holiday hangover. After a season of debauchery and merriment, embarking on a brand new lifestyle at this point seems rather harsh.

A fresh approach is to find ways to honor this season of  hibernation, contemplation and deep winter slumber.

REFLECT

It is important to bear reverence to how far we have come before we can plan for the future. We are living through incredibly transformative times. Take a moment to reflect on what you have accomplished in the last year. Did you have a baby? Start a new job, launch a business, move to a new city?

We forget to pat ourselves on the back for these milestones but it is impossible to know where we are going if we fail to honor our past. Follow the flow of nature and use this time to plant the seeds for what you want to accomplish in the new year.

What has become the traditional route of forging ahead with drastic resolutions before we are truly ready sets ourselves up for failure and disappointment. This is a perfect time to talk to a career coach, polish the resume and update your LinkedIn profile.

PLAN FOR HEALTH

Surround yourself with things that make you feel healthy, happy and abundant. Citrus is one of the gifts of winter. This fruit is known to ward off depression, which is why it is so plentiful in the colder months.

The tiny globes of sweet juicy delight also symbolize wealth and prosperity. Squeeze lemon in sparkling water for an effervescent pick me up. Grapefruit with yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes a perfect breakfast.

Toss a tangerine into a salad with hearty winter greens or make a simple dressing with the juice, shallot and oil. Take it one step further by incorporating the scent into your self care ritual. Grapefruit scrubs, scented candles and seasonal flowers all help to brighten this dark time of year.

PREP FOR THE YEAR

This is the time to invest in foundational garments. Think of it as truly setting a foundation for the rest of the year. One of the simplest pleasures is slipping into a new pair of tights, cozy pajamas and a fresh bathrobe.

Crisp sheets and fluffy towels set you up for tranquil evenings and a serene environment for reverie and reflection. Make room for these new additions by clearing out your space.

Cleaning out the leftover cookie crumbs, dried up art supplies and broken toys will give you a keen mindset.

Reorganize the pantry, placing all those unidentifiable bags of beige bulk food into sleek, labeled storage containers. The physical act of clearing out the old actually makes room for new beginnings. Most of all, go easy on yourself.

Allow yourself to unwind from the chaos of the holidays and use the slower pace to imagine where you will be a year from now.