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We all know what we’re supposed to do in January – and we know it’s not easy.
In this month of vows to do things differently, we’re focusing on a few of the
fundamentals of health, fitness and self-care – that could make a difference to what you achieve in the year ahead – personally and professionally.
And we’re going to start with the tough stuff. But to help you tackle your New Year resolutions, we’re also sharing info about some Edinburgh businesses, that could help you feel and live better in 2025.
Sobering thoughts
There’s not a lot to celebrate in a month that includes ‘Blue Monday’ – allegedly the most depressing day of the year. Look out for 20 January and look after yourself …
We do of course have Burns Night to celebrate, just a few days later, but if you’ve signed up for ‘Dry January’®, it will be a dram-free occasion. Need help to stay motivated? Alcohol Change UK, the charity which runs the challenge, has a list of alcohol-related statistics, fact sheets and tips.
It’s all connected
If you have niggling aches and pains that you haven’t got around to addressing yet, it might be time to take stock.
According to a 2024 report from charity Versus Arthritis, 9,500,000 people across the UK suffer from low back pain in any given year: more than half (5.8 million) experience it on a severe level. That’s a lot of pain for people to deal with on a day-to-day basis – and that’s just their backs. The NHS provides guidance on back pain, including some ‘red flags’ to watch out for Back pain - NHS.
If you’re looking for help with fitness challenges, Stockbridge-based Balanced, offers a range of treatments, including physiotherapy, pilates and clinical massage. They also run a specialist knee clinic, and a clinic specifically targeted at fitness in later life.
Recent analysis of ONS (Office of National Statistics) data by online platform for the over 50s, Rest Less, revealed that the number of self-employed people aged 60 or over is now at record levels. And running a business, like any kind of work, needs a certain level of fitness – whatever your age. So, it could be worth making it a priority, before it starts to get in the way.
Front of mind
The festive season isn’t a happy time for everyone, for all sorts of reasons. In the aftermath of Christmas and New Year, some people decide to create a different life in the year ahead. If you don’t know where to start, talking it over with a professional could be useful. The British Association of Counselling Professionals (BACP) has a member directory, where you can look for someone local, if that’s your preference.
A 2024 survey by BACP revealed that nearly a third (30 per cent) of UK adults had sought out support from a counsellor or psychotherapist in the past 12 months. Just under three quarters (73 per cent) of the respondents who have had counselling said it was helpful, the research found.
There are plenty of counsellors to choose from in Edinburgh, including Newtown Counselling, in Stockbridge. Services include support with anxiety, loss, depression and trauma.
Looking good
That’s the tough stuff out of the way. Now we can turn to the more enjoyable aspects of self-improvement.
If you’re starting the year in good shape mentally and physically but would rather look and feel even better, it might be time for an overhaul of your wardrobe. After all, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut with what you wear, and it might no longer suit you. Also, dressing for success is not just a cliché: changing your look can be helpful for your business or career too, especially if you’re posting pictures on social media.
Style it out
You could ask friends and family for opinions, but if you’d prefer a more objective eye, seeking out the assistance of a personal stylist could be a good move. Edinburgh-based Zoe Rodrigues can help with a style makeover, wardrobe refresh, personal shopping, image consulting and bride styling, for those who are planning their big day this year.
Cut and dried
A good haircut or even a change of hairstyle is another tried-and-tested way to start the New Year on an upbeat note. Edinburgh is not short of hairdressers to choose from and Stockbridge, in particular, is home to its fair share. One of the longest-established salons is award-winning Vincent Bell, on the corner of North West Circus Place.
It opened its doors in 1999, since when it’s been cutting, colouring and offering “complete hair transformations”. It also has a focus on the importance of mental health, recognising that many people find it easier to talk about their feelings in a salon environment, than in other settings.
Comfortable in your skin
Last, but not least, your skin matters too. If you’re prone to dry, irritated, sensitive skin and are looking to try something new and natural, that’s also hand-made in Scotland, the Edinburgh Natural Skincare Company could have what you need. As well as skincare products and soaps, it also has a range of botanical perfumes, featuring intriguingly named scents such as ‘eternal’, ‘symmetry’ and ‘reverie’.
The business of health
Would you like your company to be included in our next health, beauty and wellbeing feature? Contact hello@businesslifeedinburgh.com for further details.

In the meantime, you can find out more about Edinburgh Business and Lifestyle at www.businesslifeedinburgh.com, Stockbridge, New Town and Edinburgh business and lifestyle | Facebook and here www.linkedin.com/company/105500325/.