Just because it’s the start of January and another new year doesn’t mean you will automatically feel motivated to start a new habit, or that you even need to change.
After a year of turmoil, uncertainty and just trying to get through each day, the thought of starting New Year’s resolutions or challenges can be overwhelming and feel inappropriate.
Why not lower the bar this year and set yourself some achievable and self-loving goals to help motivate you?
Remember your routine
If you've slipped out of your regular routine over the festive break, you're not alone. It was a break after all! However, getting your sleeping pattern and body clock back to what it was can be tricky to start with.
That's why getting back into a routine is so important. As mundane as it may be, getting up at a specific time, eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep every day will help you settle back into a more manageable routine.
Healthy habits
Veganuary? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, try to get back into healthy eating habits if you overindulged during the festive period.
January is notoriously the month kick starting new fitness regimes, with over 12% of new gym members signing up in the first month of the year. But with gyms currently closed and classes cancelled you might be missing the motivation to keep moving.
Exercise doesn't need to be extreme and can be easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Focus on bite-sized goals that are actually achievable, like going for a walk every day before you start work or when you take a break.
Plan in some 'me time'
If you are going to make resolutions this year, why not make one of them prioritising, pampering and looking after yourself?
Give yourself a late Christmas present with some guilt-free and essential self-care. It's not all about running a hot bath and enjoying a face mask, but making time for yourself and what you want to do.
Reading, exercising, being creative or taking time out to relax and recharge are all a form of self-care. Find what you enjoy and make the time to do it.
Positive mindset
Having a positive attitude about any kind of change, especially change you can do nothing about, is by far the best approach.
If you only focus on the negatives, then it is likely that you will manifest and worry about them. While it is important to understand some of the risks and pitfalls in life, it is also important to seek out, focus and celebrate the positives.
Cut yourself some slack
In the end, 2020 has been a rough year for everyone and 2021 hasn't started out on the best foot, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself when trying to meet any new goals and targets. Don’t give up if you don’t fulfil your resolutions or targets.
Encourage yourself with gentle reminders. Using your phone alarm can sometimes be helpful in nudging you to go out for a run in the morning or get ready for bed at night.
Habitual change takes time and therefore requires effort, patience and persistence. Now is a good time to start embedding healthy behaviours into your daily routine.
Even if you don’t accomplish your goal as quickly as you want to or in the exact way you had planned, it’s still important to celebrate that you’re working toward making a positive change.