We are pretty sure that at some point over Christmas the conversation will have turned to New Year’s resolutions.
This is an age-old tradition of turning over a new leaf, or two, and creating a sparkling new you that everyone will love and admire.
Whilst our intentions are good, keeping up with the ten mile bike ride, healthy diet or pledge not to swear, can be tricky at what is the bleakest time of the year with bank accounts empty and good cheer at an all time low.
“I say I am going to go the gym three times a week every year but my trainers sit in the car and I waste my money on membership fees”.
Debbie
“The reality is I just love my food to much to give up burgers and take always so that last stone doesn’t ever shift.”
Karen
“I really hate January and the last thing I want to do is run on the roads in the dark and wet so I never keep to my resolution.”
Kate
We know these feelings all too well so have come up with some ideas that might help you stay on track.
First of all, don’t try and change everything in your life. Pick one thing, set a start date (it doesn’t have to be the first day of the year) and stick to it.
Set small, achievable targets that you can meet and tick off. This will give you the boost you need to keep going and your goals will soon add up.
Don’t tell the world what your resolutions are on the 1st January as this creates more pressure to succeed and more chance of feeling like a failure if things don’t go to plan.
Do work side by side with a friend so you are accountable to someone else but there isn’t added pressure of achieving something for a mass audience.
If you want to get fit, find something you really love doing. If pounding the pavements isn’t for you them consider going swimming, taking up a dance class or trying yoga. Sport is good for all elements of your life and well-being so if you can find something you love and you want to do, you are half way there.
Keep a journal of your moods. If you are feeling like you want to be a happier, more content you, then see when you are in a good mood, what makes you unhappy and where the triggers for bad days comes from.
Don’t believe the hype on social media. You might feel like you need to make 101 resolutions so you can be as happy as your friends on Facebook but look deeper and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or feeling.
Treat yourself to a small reward at the end of each week. A massage, fancy coffee or a glossy magazine are all ways to give yourself a pat on the back and are an incentive to keep going.
Don’t give up. OK, you might of had that cigarette, you didn’t go to zumba or you ate a piece of chocolate cake but it isn’t the end of the world. Dust yourself off, start again and go for your goal. You can do this.
Whatever you do and whatever changes you make, remember that at the end of the day life is short and happiness is the best medicine for anything.
Happy 2017.
Team Pure Beauty