BRACE yourselves, ‘New Year, New Me’ Facebook posts are coming (cue eye roll).
2016 is on the horizon and we’re all running around aimlessly trying to adjust to the intermittent post-Christmas/pre-New Year period.
Let’s take a moment for some real talk about what The New Year actually means and how we can tackle it…
1. It’s Time To Get Over NYE
Just like the Christmas circus, it’s a good thing to try and separate yourself from the cliched mania that is New Year’s Eve. It’s easy to succumb to the fervor of the masses… What will I wear? Which party do I go to? Who will I kiss at midnight? Will anyone even want to kiss me? OMG I’M SINGLE.
Stressing isn’t going to help, it’s only going to make things worse. Try losing your expectations, keep things simple and mentally detach from the drama by staying mindful. You’ll thank me later for it.
2. You Will Not Transform Into A New Person At Midnight
This isn’t ‘Cinderella’ (sorry). While we are constantly changing and evolving as humans on a daily basis, New Year’s Eve doesn’t occur in some magical parallel universe where you are transformed into a new, skinnier, healthier, richer or happier individual overnight.
This is why many of us feel strangely bummed after midnight on NYE… it is the realisation that everything is essentially the same as it was a few minutes ago, and it’s going to take more than mere wishful thinking over a few bottles of Prosecco to achieve your goals.
3. Any Resolutions You Do Make Will Most Likely Be Irrelevant By February
You purchase that gym membership. You start going every morning five days a week. You’re motivated and like a new man/woman. Then the momentum crashes. You miss a few sessions, you end up feeling like a failure and putting on more weight than before through comfort eating. And thus the vicious cycle continues.
Change happens gradually, and naturally, when it is the right time for you. Small daily or weekly goals are much more effective. It’s also important to remember that your life is happening RIGHT NOW. Stop waiting for the future ideal in your head, because you’ll be chasing it forever.
Accept everything as it is in the present, good and bad, and you will realise that the key to happiness is right there in front of you. Daily meditation and mindfulness practices can help this immensely.
4. You Will Feel Flat, Despondent Or Just Plain Depressed For Most Of January
It’s not called the ‘January Blues’ for nothing. Feeling low around this time of the year is normal and okay. There are many ways to deal with it that don’t include spending all your money in the sales or crying into your pillow. Eating right is a good way to start. I know, it sounds dull and you’ve heard it all before. But your mind and body are inextricably linked, so it makes sense to fuel your body with quality foods in order to achieve good mental health. Our Westernized diet is riddled with excess sugar and carbs, which have been linked to anxiety and depression.
The best way I have found to pack loads of nutrients into one easy meal is to invest in a smoothie-maker or blender. An general rule to go by is 50% veg, 40% fruit and 10% nuts/protein/other. Aside from looking after yourself, it’s best to ride the wave. Accept whatever you’re feeling, and remind yourself that change is inevitable, and no state of mind lasts forever.
5. Spring Is The New ‘New Year’
Really. Spring is all about rebirth… the sun coming out, flowers blooming, BABY LAMBS. Maybe we should accept that Winter is a time for recuperation, not massive transformation. Be patient, and pace yourself.
Take time to look after your health and well-being, and by Spring time you will be much more likely to actively make positive changes to your life. The idea is to take things steadily, there’s no rush. Relax, go with the flow and always stay in the present.
…Happy (and realistic) New Year to you all!