Why January is the Wrong Time of Year to be Trying so Hard
Hi Chinmayi,
I still have sugar cravings left over from Christmas. I’m trying, but I don’t seem to be able to cut sugar out as easily as I did before the holidays.
My energy levels and enthusiasm are just not there. I know I want to get back to yoga, take walks in nature and start my healthy eating again, but I just can’t seem to do it!
The weather is so cold and miserable. When I get in from work, all I want to do is curl up on the sofa after a carbohydrate feast and watch TV. I just don’t want to go anywhere in the evening.
How am I ever going to find the motivation and energy I need to be successful with your book?
I keep seeing adverts for detox diets and shakes and I feel so tempted to give myself a shock back to a healthier routine.
Please help!
Sabrina
This is a Familiar Routine
You are not alone in this familiar routine of looking out for a new plan, method or diet to give us a fresh approach to a healthier routine. I write about this in BodyMAGIC! in Chapter 12 – The Novelty Factor. But it’s only going to soothe your curious mind for a while. The only promise with any of these offers is a reduction in your wallet, not your waistline. So please, don’t do it!
Firstly, please know that you got hooked back on sugar with only one or two days of consumption. You can get off it again with only one or two days of abstention. When the cravings come, satisfy with fresh fruit, dates, nuts and nut
Secondly, honor your mood and attitude at this time. It is perfectly normal to feel lifeless at this time of year.
You are attuned to nature!
Really until mid-February, depending on where you live, nature is asleep or resting. So you are trying to push against nature!

Rest and Restore More

Perhaps focus on more relaxation than spinning.
More yoga than Zumba (hope you are getting a general idea).
If you are a member of a gym and you don’t feel like your usual workout, how about going for a swim and sauna or steam instead? Soothe. Replenish. Nurture is the order.
And….Relax!!!
Relaxation is not sleeping. It’s not sharing a bottle of wine with your bestie or watching TV.
Relaxation is an art. It involves consciously connecting with the body, without distraction and letting go of tension. It’s not even meditation. Meditation is rarely relaxing!
The opposite is the Stress Response – where your brain is in a state of emergency. Here you produce adrenaline and cortisol which tells your clever but defensive body to put layers of fat around your middle to protect your organs. Hmmmm, which would you prefer?
For more information, read BodyMAGIC! Chapter 13 – Stress and the Mind. You’ll be amazed at how clever your mind and body are in keeping you alive and well!

BodyMAGIC! – a Happy Ending to Binge and Emotional Eating HERE.
There’s FREE access to several practices including yoga, meditation, and relaxation (Yoga Nidra).
Or why not help yourself to a FREE Breakthrough Session with Chinmayi herself? You can book that easily HERE.