New Year, New You?

Have you set yourself any goals this month? Many of us feel enthused about achieving our New Year resolutions – especially in January! By far the most common ones are health-based, and a lot involve giving up something.

However – research shows that the majority of us fail to achieve our aims (66-83%). In fact, some surveys show that only 10% of people complete what they set out to do.

Habits are hard to change, and unfortunately there is no quick fix.

We live in a world where everything is available when we want it. For example, we no longer wait for films / programmes – everything is at our fingers tips… instantly.

This means that we are no longer patient. We no longer appreciate that it has taken time to get how we are today. This is especially true for many people who have experienced many years of dedicated poor posture, poor nutrition, limited exercise, stress and limited awareness of mental and emotional wellbeing. There simply isn’t a quick fix.

Achieving more…

Here are four action points to help you reach your goals:

1. Set your plans as to how you would like to be by a certain time.
2. Be specific… write down your goals, write down “WHY”, list the steps involved.
3. Tell friends and family and get them to support you.
4. Remember to focus on the positive! (What you’ve done well, your progress so far.)

You are what you eat…

Take the time to look at what you are eating. Food should not just be about calories, but should actually focus on the nutritional value. For example: a medium size apple is approximately 100 calories. It provides lots of fibre, Vitamin C, potassium, phytonutrients and anti-oxidants.

Should we look at “dieting” – which means at some point we will stop and go back to eating how we used to…. or should we just change the way we look at / interact with food

Winter is a time for hibernation, restoration, renewal – just look at the world around you. We should be eating warm and nutritious food. This means enjoying hearty soups, broths and stews rather than salads and cold foods.

Exercise

The advertising of food and drink for the Christmas period has now given way to gyms, fitness and diets, many with financial incentives. Great if this is the motivation that you need, but look around you – nature is quiet. Try walking outside, reconnecting with nature, getting fresh air after being stuck indoors in centrally heated rooms – lovely warm breeding ground for bugs! Clear out those lungs, get the blood circulating, and aim for those 10,000 steps!

Peace of mind

One thing not yet mentioned is our “peace of mind”, our emotional and mental wellbeing. More people that ever, including my friends and family, seem to be either anxious or depressed and are taking medication.  (Something I will explore in future blogs.)

At a time when we seem to have it all, do we?