NEW YEAR … NEW YOU
So the holiday season is well and truly over now and we have all probably overindulged a little. All those mince pies, puddings, cheeses and chocolates were so tempting… The start of a new year is, of course, the perfect time for a fresh start.
One of the favourite topics of conversation in January is about New Year Resolutions … Have you made any ?, What are they ? & Have you broken any already ?!
We found ourselves asking …
Where did New Year’s resolutions come from? and What really is the meaning of a New Year resolution?
Well its believed that the ancient Babylonians may have been the first people to make New Year’s resolutions, around 4,000 years ago. A New Year’s resolution is a tradition, most common in the Western Hemisphere, in which a person resolves to change an undesired trait or behaviour, to accomplish a personal goal or otherwise improve their life.
OK, so what do most of us want to change/do or achieve:
To Eat Well – choose healthier options and look at the best way to prepare and cook our food
Reviving an Exercise Routine – whether that’s going to the gym or just taking a walk in the fresh air – these are great ways to beat the January blues. Remember active bodies = active minds
Make Positive Changes – this could be making more of an effort to meet up with and keep in touch with friends & family, to stop smoking or just cutting out sugar in your tea or coffee
How can you make these positive changes and Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions:
*Keep your resolutions simple & choose carefully – maybe just start small take it one step at a time
*Be realistic – don’t try to set unrealistic goals and put too much pressure on yourself
*Create bite-sized portions & achievable goals
*Make notes/plans – track your progress so you can see that you are doing well
*Treat yourself – we all need a little treat once in a while, this may act as a motivator too
*Receive support – discuss with family & friends who can offer encouragement/support – you may even inspire them to make positive changes in their own lives so you can do things together
*Don’t give up! – every day is a new day, start again if you need to …
Have a happy and healthy new year!