The beginning of the new year is supposed to be a bright and inspiring time.

@bitty_bangbang Something about the excitement for Jan 1st…while understanding there’s still time until the new year ❄️✨ #wintersolstice #witchesnewyear #cozywinter ♬ Golden Hour: Piano Version – Andy Morris

It’s a good time to organize your closet, clean your apartment, write down your goals and reflect on yourself. Many people feel motivated by this energy, but for others there is a big problem, the new year begins in the heart of winter.

Astrology says that the new year begins in spring

When you think about it, nothing in January seems like the right time for a fresh start. It’s cold, it’s getting dark at 4pm, and you’re probably still trying to recover from the stress of the holidays. That’s why many mystics on TikTok remind you that there’s another new year that doesn’t start until March 20, giving you plenty of time to rest. In fact, they encourage you to “hibernate” (hello, lazy days in bed!).

In astrology, the season of Aries, which runs from March 20 to April 19, is considered the beginning of the astrological year, and also coincides with the vernal equinox. Aries is an intense fire sign that symbolizes energy, inspiration, new beginnings, and just what you need when starting something new.

March also brings sunshine, warm weather, blooming flowers, and chirping birds, all creating the perfect backdrop to transform, cleanse, start new routines, and reinvent yourself. In other words? If you don’t feel like doing any of this right now, that’s totally fine.

The actual new year is on March 20

If you feel the need to rest, stay in bed and “disappear” during this period, you are in exactly the right mood, at least according to astrology. On TikTok, creator @aprilshowersnaked is one of many who said it’s okay to not have the energy for big changes right now.

“It’s not New Year’s yet, astrologically speaking,” he said in a Jan. 1 video. “The first day of the year should be the first day of spring… But we are in the middle of winter. The “new year, new self”? It’s hard to do with that feeling of hibernation and relaxation. So don’t feel bad if you haven’t felt that kick-start energy yet, because you won’t until the first day of spring.”

Creator @bitty_bangbang shared the same sentiment and offered advice with a TikTok saying: “Reminder to myself: New year starts in spring. There is still time to rest, to set goals. Enjoy the cold, stay warm, take your time these winter months.”

Now is a good time to rest

In the comments of @mystichealingwithali’s video, someone wrote: “I’ve never understood why New Years is so close to Christmas. It’s too much, haha.” Another said: “I’m on my recharge period,” while another added: “I followed this last year and felt so much better mentally. This period is for reflection, rest, planning.”

So instead of pushing yourself to change your life, get everything in order or go to the gym every day in 0°C, spend the next few months relaxing and rejuvenating yourself, like a hibernating bear. You’ll feel much more fit for the season, and you’ll also have more time to dream up your plans for 2025.

Once spring arrives, you may feel inspired to make big changes or adopt some simple, seasonal habits, like seeing friends, taking more walks, or admiring the flowers in the park.