Written by Dr Zamiel Hussain, Lead GP and Founder of AccessGP
The start of a new year often comes with mixed feelings. Many people feel motivated to reset their health, but also tired, run down or not quite themselves after Christmas. It is common to blame this on overindulgence or lack of willpower, but there are genuine medical reasons why January can feel so difficult.
This guide focuses on what is actually worth doing from a GP perspective. Not extreme detoxes or unrealistic plans, but sensible steps that help you understand your health and start the year with clarity.
Why January often feels harder than expected
From a clinical point of view, January is a perfect storm for low energy and poor wellbeing. Common contributing factors include:
- Disrupted sleep patterns over the festive period
- Increased alcohol and richer food
- Reduced physical activity
- Winter viruses such as flu and respiratory infections
- Lower vitamin D levels due to limited sunlight
- Stress returning as work routines resume
Many people feel fatigued, foggy or low in mood. While this can be normal, it should not always be ignored.
“From a GP perspective, the most effective health resets are not about doing more, they are about doing the right things consistently. Small, realistic changes guided by clinical insight almost always outperform ambitious plans that are hard to sustain.”
What is worth checking medically
A New Year reset does not mean testing everything. It means checking the things that commonly explain how people feel at this time of year.
Blood tests that often make sense in January
Depending on your symptoms and background, a GP may suggest:
- Full blood count, to look for anaemia or signs of recent infection
- Thyroid function, if fatigue, weight change or low mood are present
- Vitamin D, which is frequently low in winter
- Vitamin B12 or iron studies, if energy levels are persistently low
- Cholesterol, especially if there is a family history of heart disease
- HbA1c, to screen for diabetes or pre diabetes where appropriate
The value comes not from the number of tests, but from interpreting the results in the context of your symptoms, lifestyle and long term risk.
What is not worth doing
January is full of noise, and not all of it is helpful.
From a GP perspective, it is sensible to be cautious about:
- Extreme detoxes or restrictive diets
- Large supplement stacks without a clear deficiency
- Repeated blood testing without explanation or follow up
- Self diagnosing based on isolated results
Health resets work best when they are realistic, personalised and medically informed.
Setting realistic health targets for January
From a GP perspective, the most sustainable health resets start with realistic expectations. January is not the time to overhaul everything at once. Small, measurable goals are far more effective, such as improving sleep consistency, increasing daily movement gradually, or addressing one clear medical issue like low energy or abnormal blood results. Unrealistic targets often lead to frustration and disengagement, whereas achievable steps build confidence and long term change. Health plans work best when they are informed by clinical insight, tailored to your starting point, and reviewed over time rather than judged week by week.
When to speak to a GP
You should consider GP advice if you notice:
- Fatigue that is not improving after a few weeks
- Low mood or loss of motivation
- Recurrent infections over winter
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Poor sleep that is affecting daily function
Early assessment often prevents problems becoming more entrenched later in the year.
How AccessGP supports a January health reset
At AccessGP, we approach New Year health resets in a structured, GP led way.
This includes:
- Same day or next day GP appointments
- Thoughtful selection of blood tests where appropriate
- Clear explanation of results and what they mean for you
- Practical next steps rather than generic advice
- Access to our Knowledge Base, so you can understand your health beyond the appointment
Our aim is to help patients move from uncertainty to clarity, and from intention to sustainable action.
A healthier start, without pressure
A New Year reset does not have to be dramatic. For many people, the most effective reset is understanding why they feel the way they do and addressing it calmly.
January is a good time to check in with your health, but it is also a time to be kind to yourself. Progress built slowly and consistently tends to last far longer than quick fixes.
Key sources: AccessGP Clinical Knowledge Base; NHS UK, Live Well; NICE Guidance, Preventative health and long term conditions; Patient.info, Health and wellbeing; ZAVA, Health checks overview.