But 2019 certainly didn’t start that way. My mum died just before last Christmas and by January it felt like I was expected to bounce back. I struggled to get out of bed most days, but I had to pick myself up and get on with it. January is hard at the best of times, never mind the worst. It’s about going back to the old routine, even when you can’t face it. It’s made even harder with all the resolutions and health kick cliches. The juice cleanses, the diets, veganuary…most are fast tracks to failure.
So rather than New Year being about detoxes and denial, let’s think about saying YES to life. Set yourself a few fun goals and plans. Plans keep you going through the grim winter months. You don’t have to climb Everest, lose 3 stone or tick off a whole bucket list. It doesn’t have be extreme or expensive. Learn something new, change your routine, seize your own adventures! Do something just for you. We need to grab each day by the horns, have fun, live life, cement bonds with our loved ones. If you stay active as you go, then you’ll have more energy and positivity for all the adventures, and more.
Plan things with people. It sounds simple, but life is busy and it’s easy to forget that we need human contact. Social media scrolling isn’t the same as spending real time together, laughing, listening, sharing a moment. Make time for someone who needs it, someone who you’ve lost touch with, someone you miss.
Sticking to your New Year goals is all about rituals and consistency. Taking small, bite-sized steps rather than trying to do everything at once. Starting a relentless diet and hitting the gym every day is not a long-term strategy. It drains your energy at the time of year when you most need it. I always say, baby steps win the race. My next challenge is all about energy boosting fitness, re-booting body and mind after the Christmas slump.
Happy New Year, I hope 2020 is healthy and fun-filled and everything you wish for. See you on the other side!