I’m Sarah Stamp, an acupuncturist and holistic therapist at Olive Tree Acupuncture & Wellbeing in Brackley. I support people with pain, stress, hormonal balance and overall wellbeing, and in this monthly column I share simple, seasonal advice to help you feel better in everyday life.

February is often the month people feel most tired and flat. The motivation of January has faded, daylight is still limited, and many of us have been pushing through winter without enough rest. Feeling exhausted now doesn’t mean you’re failing – it’s often the result of accumulated physical and emotional strain.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, February is marked by Chinese New Year, which represents the true energetic start of the year. 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, a time traditionally associated with movement, momentum and forward drive. While this energy can feel motivating, it can also clash with bodies that are still depleted from winter, leading to restlessness, poor sleep, anxiety or burnout.

This is why February benefits from a balanced approach – gently encouraging energy to move
while still prioritising rest. Simple changes such as improving sleep quality, eating regular nourishing meals, keeping warm and introducing gentle movement can make a noticeable difference.

Holistic therapies such as acupuncture, massage and reflexology can be particularly supportive at this time, helping calm the nervous system, improve energy levels and support the body’s natural transition toward spring.

February Takeaway Points

• Accept tiredness rather than pushing through

• Focus on sleep quality and routine

• Eat regularly to support steady energy

• Balance gentle movement with proper rest

• Ease into the year rather than rushing ahead

February isn’t asking you to do more – it’s asking you to restore, so energy can rise naturally in the months ahead.

Sarah Stamp

By Olive Tree Acupuncture & Wellbeing, Brackley