The Filter: choose a January reboot or a strategic hibernation

As the new year begins, the Guardian’s the Filter newsletter says January presents two equally valid approaches: pursue a motivational fitness reboot or treat the month as a time to hibernate and restore. On one side are the “new year, new routine” enthusiasts: early-morning workouts, protein shakes (the clear, pea isolate ones are singled out), and an embrace of fitness tech, supplements and morning rituals to build structure and momentum.

The counter-movement celebrates cosy, analogue comforts: sofa time treated as strategic restoration rather than laziness. The newsletter lists silk pillowcases, weighted blankets and chai as examples of practices that help recalibrate a nervous system after what it describes as a year of collective whiplash.

The Filter argues both approaches count as self-care and that the line between self-improvement and self-preservation is blurring—mornings might be for a run and smoothie, evenings for slipping into a soft hoodie and sinking under a weighted blanket. This week’s picks in the newsletter include guides on the best exercise bikes, toothbrush longevity, low- and no-alcohol drinks, cold-weather dressing and winter essentials.

Key Topics

Health, The Filter, January, Exercise Bike, Weighted Blanket, Protein Shake