Nurturing Team Wellness, Energy, and Focus in 2025
View over the South Downs, January 2025
As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves facing the familiar chill of January, with its dark mornings and early nights. The slower pace of this month can be a challenge for some, but for others, it’s an opportunity to reset, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead. Whether you’re someone who thrives during this time or looks forward to its end, one thing is certain: taking care of our own wellness, and that of our teams, is a crucial aspect of our leadership journeys.
I’ve always believed that January offers a chance to recalibrate, to focus on what truly matters, and to emerge into a new year with a fresh and revitalised mindset. Recently, I came across the idea of “biding time” until Spring arrives, and it was one that resonated deeply with me. This approach suggests that we resist the urge to rush into things to feel better or more productive, or to make changes immediately. Instead, we can use the darker days and longer moments of quiet as a time to reflect, reset, and build energy for what’s to come. For me, it’s about looking forward to the clear blue skies and frosty days, where the natural world offers a quiet energy and focus that I can tap into.
As a leader, this time of year offers an opportunity to be intentional about how we approach wellness, not only for ourselves, but for the teams we lead.
The Power of Intentional Reflection
January offers, for many, a time to reflect on the year that has passed, to reassess, and to set or reset goals for the upcoming year. It’s a chance to think more deeply about what we really need, what will truly benefit our leadership, and what we want to see emerge in our lives and work. We often focus on the end result of what we need to accomplish, achieve, or deliver, but not the process, or the doing. But what if, instead of focusing purely on what we’re working toward, we focused on how we’re moving through the world as we work?
This year, I’ve chosen a word to help guide me through these reflections: emerging. It’s a word that invites me to stay curious and attentive to what is coming into focus, to what is beginning to take shape. Instead of forcing outcomes, I am asking myself, “What is emerging right now?” This question is not just relevant for what I want to achieve in my leadership and in those I mentor, but also for how I approach life and the wellness and energy I bring to that. It’s about paying attention to the quiet moments of growth, the small shifts, and the subtle changes that shape the bigger picture.
Over the years, I’ve encouraged colleagues, leaders, and teams to choose a word of focus for the year ahead. This practice can provide a sense of clarity, helping to make decisions about where to focus attention, energy, and resources. A single word can be a powerful guide, an anchor that helps ground us when things get busy or overwhelming - to read my blog on the importance of tethering and untethering you can find it here. This simple, yet powerful practice of intentional word-based reflection can be transformative, creating space for focused action throughout the year.
Making Team Wellness a Priority
While it’s important to focus on our own wellness, it’s equally important to nurture the wellness of our teams. As leaders, we have the opportunity to create environments where people feel energised, supported, and psychologically safe. When teams feel well, they are more likely to perform at their best and show up with energy and enthusiasm.
One of the simplest ways to foster team wellness is by checking in with team members, either through informal conversations or structured check-ins. By prioritising connection and communication, we can build trust, reduce stress, and ensure that everyone feels seen and heard. Small actions, such as encouraging moments of rest or helping people simplify their priorities, can have a big impact on both individual and team wellness.
January is a great time to set the tone for the year ahead, to intentionally create the kind of environment that nurtures wellness and re-energises teams. This can be done by encouraging reflection, creating opportunities for connection, and fostering a culture of care. Leadership is not just about guiding teams toward results, it’s also about creating the space for our teams to thrive.
Supporting My Wellness, Focus, and Energy
As part of my own commitment to wellness this year, I’ve been focusing on several practices to support my energy and focus. Through the sharing of the practices on which I am placing more focus and energy, I aim to encourage others to share what is helping them bring wellness into their life and leadership.
NHS Health Check/One You East Sussex - On January 2nd, I received an invitation from the NHS for a One You health check. This service, available to people over 40, helps assess risks related to cardiovascular health. It was reassuring to know that my health is in good shape, reminded me of the importance of proactive care, and helped me begin the year with a healthy start.
Reading - Reading is a regular practice of mine and this month I am focusing on works that are helping me bring energy and wellness into my life. Most recently, I’ve been reading Chasing Fog by Laura Pashby, a book that beautifully explores the connection between nature and personal growth. I also dip in and out of her other work, Little Stories of Your Life, which encourages self-expression and storytelling. I would love to hear about what you’re reading and always welcome recommendations. Please do leave them in the comments below.
Writing - Writing has always been a grounding practice for me. Recently, I’ve been journaling daily through the Penzu App. To further expand my life-writing capabilities, I’m also delighted to be taking part in Term 2 of the Life Writing course at Charleston, East Sussex, led by the talented Holly Dawson.
Listening - If you haven’t already listened to the New Year’s Day Women’s Hour podcast, I recommend it. It is on the topic of walking and it’s a beautiful exploration of how walking can support both physical and mental health, a key focus of the new year.
Walking and Photography - I enjoy walking and capturing images through photography. The act of being in nature, combined with the creative process of photography, brings me a sense of peace and energy. This time of year when mornings and evenings are darker, the different colours and shadows that emerge are renewing my energy for these creative activities that I love.
Looking Ahead to a Year of Wellness, Focus, and Energy
As we move through 2025, I invite you to join me in focusing on wellness, energy, and focus. Whether through small daily practices or larger reflections on the year ahead, we have the opportunity to create the kind of year we want, not just for ourselves, but for the teams we lead.
Here’s to a year of growth, collaboration, and energy. May we all continue to nurture our wellness and the wellness of those around us.
