Today marks the first day of February, a perfect time to look back and evaluate how I started the year. Here is my January 2025 in review – what I learned, what I focused on, and how the month unfolded.
The first thing that stood out to me was the cold. January is always the chilliest month in Dubai, but this year felt colder than ever. I was bundling up more than usual in my cozy cashmere sweaters, fluffy UGG slippers, and even cheap wool winter boots (which, surprisingly, became my indoor essentials).
My focus word for January 2025 was “Routines.” After all, we are what we repeatedly do. To set the tone for the year, I made it a priority to establish consistent routines. I created a list, tracked them daily, and was pleasantly surprised by how well this system worked. It helped me carve out time for activities that bring me joy and fulfillment, making the month feel both productive and balanced.
My routine list for January 2025:
Planning the day
I realized long ago that planning my day – whether in the morning or the night before – makes a significant difference. On the days I plan, I accomplish far more than on the days I don’t. It takes no more than five minutes, yet it has a huge impact on my productivity and helps keep my other routines on track. This simple habit has been a true game-changer.
Walking
Walking is one of the healthiest and most accessible forms of exercise. It requires no special equipment, no specific outfit, and can be done anywhere, anytime. It improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and boosts mood. As Hippocrates famously said, “Walking is man’s best medicine,” and I couldn’t agree more. This month, I made a conscious effort to incorporate more walking into my routine – walking to school and back, taking evening strolls around the community before bed, and even using my walking pad while browsing my phone or making calls.
Gym
The gym is my sanctuary – both my church and my therapist. I walk in feeling low on energy or mood and walk out feeling rejuvenated, seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. It doesn’t just transform my body; it sharpens my mind as well. I know that if I go to the gym every day, every day feels better.
I don’t push my limits too hard; instead, I listen to my body and vary my workouts. Some days, I lift heavy; other days, when I’m sore, I focus on stretching. Sometimes, I dance, and on other days, I do a little bit of everything. What I’ve learned is that consistency is key – if I skip one day, it’s too easy to skip another, and before I know it, a missed day turns into missed days. That’s why I’ve made the gym a non-negotiable part of my daily routine.
Bike
I have always loved biking – it was a huge part of my childhood. My generation grew up riding bikes after school, and it was one of the most fun and freeing activities. Unfortunately, where we live now, there aren’t many roads suitable for biking. But thankfully, I have a stationary bike at home. My goal is to ride for 10–20 minutes every day, and I use this time to watch YouTube videos. It makes the workout feel effortless, and before I know it, the time flies by.
Wellness Journal
I started journaling many years ago, and it has been an invaluable habit ever since. Writing down my thoughts, feelings, and overall well-being helps me understand them more clearly. It allows me to track my health, recognize patterns in my symptoms, and identify connections between my food choices and how I feel. Over the past five years, my allergies have intensified, making this practice even more essential. My wellness journal has become a powerful tool in managing my health, helping me make more informed decisions about what works for my body.
Duolingo Spanish Lessons
I don’t really need Spanish lessons, and I don’t have anyone to speak to in Spanish. But I believe it’s important to challenge my brain in new ways. That’s why I’m learning Spanish – it’s a great exercise for the mind and helps me keep growing.
Piano Practice
Playing the piano is one of my greatest passions. Music, dance, and singing have always been powerful forms of self-expression for me – emotional and deeply moving. I’ve wanted to play the piano since childhood, but it wasn’t until I was 27 that I finally began learning. I was fortunate enough to receive a beautiful grand piano as a gift from my husband, and it’s become one of my most treasured possessions. Learning to play an instrument is a unique challenge for the brain, and though it can be frustrating when my fingers don’t cooperate, the sense of peace and reward I feel when I play makes it all worth it.
Reading 25 in ’25
Inspired by Gretchen Rubin (author, speaker, blogger, and podcaster), I adopted the “Reading 25 in ’25” challenge. The idea is simple – read for at least 25 minutes every day in 2025. “I want to read more” is too vague for most people to stick with. Being specific is key, and “Reading 25 for ’25” is a much clearer and more actionable resolution.
As I reflect on January, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment. This month was all about laying the groundwork – establishing routines that bring balance, productivity, and fulfillment into my life. While I wasn’t perfect every day, I showed up for myself more often than not, and that’s what truly matters.
I want to continue building on these habits for February while adding a few new ones to the mix. Perhaps incorporating more mindfulness practices, experimenting with different dietary approaches to reduce allergic reactions, or finding another creative outlet. Growth comes from small, consistent efforts, and I am excited to see where these routines take me. Please check my older post about the lifelong learning here.
As I flip the page to a new month, I remind myself: progress over perfection. The goal is not to check every box but to live with intention. Let’s see what February has in store!
If this reflection resonates and you’re curious about how I approach intentional living, health, and balance, you may wish to begin with Start Here.
Here is my January review in favorite photos.
