In 2021, be kind to yourself…
New Year’s Resolutions can be tough. In years gone by, I have started BIG and BOLD, thinking that I can change habits I have developed over the years, just because the calendar hit January 1st. It has taken me a long time but I have learned that this approach doesn’t work! Take it from me, change doesn’t happen overnight… It’s a gradual process.
And that is why I have written this blog. We’re halfway through January already, and swiftly approaching the date when over 80% of people will drop their New Year’s Resolution (apparently, that’s the first week of February). So, instead of trying to be a new version of yourself this January, why not just try to be a better old version?
Here’s a few small changes you can make – note: I’m not using the term ‘resolutions’! – that will improve your overall health and wellbeing in 2021.
A few steps every day…
If you’re not doing any daily exercise at the moment, then now is the perfect time to start. There is – as the famous saying goes – no time like the present. For those of us who hate exercise or haven’t done it in a while, this can be a daunting prospect, however, it doesn’t have to be. As with anything, the key is to start small.
Walking is a great way to increase your level of physical activity. By using a tracking watch like a FitBit (or there are some free apps on your phone or tablet), you can count your steps. A good idea is to increase your goal daily.
Remember: it doesn’t have to be much, even the smallest amounts of exercise with modest increases can make an obvious difference to your health and wellbeing.
Make small changes to your diet
One of our recent blog posts was all about how slight changes to your diet – increasing your water intake, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, berries, turmeric, green tea and other supplements – can have a positive effect on your movements and overall health.
We are often inclined to make bold claims at the beginning of the year, and a typical one is ‘to eat healthy this year!’ And, if we are true to ourselves, we know that this isn’t going to be the case. Cheat days are okay. In fact, if we start small – just as we do with our daily steps – we can slowly improve our diet with moderate, ongoing changes.
By starting small, we increase our chances of keeping up with our goals. Check out our blog on how to improve your diet here.
Practice mindfulness
With society and everyone around us seeming to move at one million miles per hour, it is no wonder our heads can feel full all the time. This year, it’s time to give yourself a little headspace. Take a step back and enjoy the moment. Don’t pressure yourself. We’ll be posting a lot more about mindfulness this year, but here are a few little tips from us to get you started:
Take a moment to enjoy the day
Whether that’s first thing in the morning, after the school run, your lunch break, or whenever you find suits your schedule the most, put your work to one side, your phone down, and just sit and enjoy the moment.Spend time outdoors
Getting outside can be a great opportunity to practice mindfulness. It doesn’t have to be an escape to the country, just a walk around the neighbourhood will do!Meditate
Learn to shut out the distractions and practice controlled breathing.Focus on one task at a time
By taking on many tasks at once, you are not giving any of them the attention that they deserve. Create a list, and work through your workload, one task at a time.
Be kind
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be kind. We need to be kinder to one another, and we need to be kinder to ourselves. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and think about what you need.
