Bring A Better You Into The New Year

By ALICE O’BRIEN Alice O’Brien Counselling, Newmarket

The festive season is behind us and we have entered a new year. As always with a new year, we are faced with a bombarding amount to messages about changing our lifestyles, becoming a better version of ourselves, starting new fitness routines, and eating plans. We are told that the version of ourselves up until now is not good enoughwe must be better, we must be thinner, we must be fitter, we must be healthier.

But, what if the person we are up until December 31st is ok? What if that version of us has served us well, do we really need to overhaul everything? Do we really need to throw out the old us to create a new version?

Of course not, but if we want to make improvements then that’s ok. Set some new year’s resolutions that will improve the existing you;

• Habit stacking is a great way to add healthy routines to your existing routine. For example, if you wanted to start meditation, try doing a two minute practice after your breakfast.

• Another great new year’s resolution is to work on selfgrowth or self-development. Examples could be to try some daily journaling- there are lots of great prompts and ideas for starting available online now. Self-growth can also include a commitment to read more or learn something new.

• Health and wellness are always areas that we focus on at the beginning of the year as we shake off the excesses of Christmas. So, start a sustainable exercise planwalking or yoga or planning healthier meals.

• Focusing on relationships and connection can also be an area to work on in the New Year. Start an evening class or group activity. Join a voluntary group or visit the library more. Make a plan to meet up with friends more regularly.

January doesn’t always have to be bleak if we let go of the resolutions that ridicule the person we are. It can be a time for positive growth if we allow it to be.