This past year has been a chaotic year for many all over the world. We’ve made it through 2021 and, dearest me, am I ready for 2022 to begin. Aren't you? However, every start of a year also comes with loads of demands that we expect of ourselves.
Starting the New Year as a new you.
Pressuring ourselves to lose weight.
Demanding of ourselves to crush all those health goals.
Maybe it's just me, but I'm totally over the "new year, new me" garbage. It's every single year, over and over and over again, and nothing ever really... sticks.
Of course you were going to lose 10 kg last year.
Of course you were going to sleep more, spend more time with you family.
Of course you were going to change your lifestyle.
Instead of a long list of crazy goals or shame-filled, comparison-inducing New Year’s resolutions…This year, I am asking the really BIG question:
How will I be Different in 2022?
Personally, I find that BIG resolutions never worked for me – I fail at them wildly, for life comes along, I get side tracked and BOOM! I am so far behind with those big resolutions that they are now too overwhelming. Then I beat myself up about not having enough willpower, and then dove headfirst into a large packet of chips…
But that’s not exactly a healthy way to exist in the world, is it?
Nope. Over the years, I’ve developed a method that actually works, makes me feel good, and helps my whole year go easier.
I am much better at making smaller changes and adjustments to my behaviours, activities and actions of the previous year. Those nips and tugs and 'course corrections' for my health are usually pretty easy to put into practise, and the results can be substantial and very rewarding!
There are tons of different ways to gradually shift to a healthier lifestyle. Everyone talks about eating healthier and exercising more, but just like those BIG New Year’s resolutions it can often be overwhelming when these are not already habits in your daily life.
Forming new habits that are important for your mental and physical health is not a waste of time. Think about it, if you get sick, exhausted, or burnt-out, you will have to spend a lot of time to get back on track. Making time for healthy habits means that you can use your time more effectively in the long term. For when your body’s operating at its peak, it’s exponentially easier to tune your mind.
That is why you need to form good habits to elevate yourself and your life. You need to intentionally take care of your mental, physical, emotional, and even spiritual health and wellness. Good habits create a lifestyle change necessary to do the things that you want to do in this world. You can’t reach or goals or become a better or healthier person without them.
And although this may sound too simplistic - when it comes right down to it - that is often the difference between failure and success - simply making slight changes to your current course by forming new habits. And be your own guide when it comes to empowering yourself and your health.
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.