A Gentle Start to 2026: Supporting Your Emotional Well-Being

Written By Sara Coyle

It’s 2026 already! As always, there is lots of talk about goals, things we will do differently this year, new habits, changing behaviours, starting fresh. For some people, this can feel energizing, but for many people including children and teens, this can feel exhausting, heavy and overwhelming. I can’t stop thinking about all the posts out there reminding us that January is actually a time of rest. And rest is so needed on these long dark days after the holidays.

If you were lucky enough to have been able to take some time off work over the holidays, it was likely pretty busy, and now it’s time to return to routine already. School, work, appointments, etc. all resume before we’ve really had time to process everything we are carrying. It’s common as adults to notice increased stress, fatigue, emotional sensitivity and a sense of disconnection this time of year…and has anyone noticed how cold it is?!

For Parents and Caregivers, January can bring:

  • Exhaustion after making magic over the holidays, everyday

  • Worry about how their kids are doing

  • Pressure to get back to routine while still feeling exhausted

  • Grief, loneliness or health-related stress of their own or their children’s

For Kids and Teens, January can bring:

  • Anxiety about returning to school and managing friendships and academics

  • Difficulty transitioning to routines again after a break

  • Big emotions (withdrawal, 

  • Big behaviours (yelling, 

At Connected Roots Therapy, we take a trauma-informed and relationship-focused approach, which means we don’t believe that healing requires big changes or fresh starts. Instead, we believe healing begins by noticing what’s present and responding with care and compassion, taking one step at a time. 

As January proceeds, I invite you to ask yourself - “What do I need right now?” instead of “How do I fix this?”. You might get curious with yourself by asking:

  • Does my body need rest or movement? 

  • Do I need connection or alone time? 

  • Do I need silence or music?

  • Does my body need warm cozy foods, or light fresh meals?

I invite you to listen to your nervous system and offer compassion to yourself, and to you kiddos while practicing slowing down. It’s hibernation season, really. Focus on regulation over productivity, prioritize connection (and good food!).

How Therapy Can Help This Time of Year:

  • Supporting children and teens who are struggling emotionally or behaviourally after transitions by offering a space for them to process those big feelings

  • Provide support to parents and caregivers who are looking for guidance for their kiddos who are struggling, or who are in need of their own support with all that they are carrying

  • Help you with learning to regulate your nervous system after the business of the holidays and any stress you are carrying

  • Support you and your family in strengthening relationships and communication with one another

  • Supporting mental and emotional well-being alongside physical or health-related challenges

If January feels like a lot, you don’t have to carry it alone. Therapy can be a place to feel grounded, understood and supported right where you are.

Schedule a Free Consultation to find support that fits your needs.


Sara Coyle