New Year New Possibilities
“Small positive habits can have a huge impact on your well-being and health. I wish more people would put their energy and effort into these to create a long-lasting positive lifestyle.”
At this time of year, we hear a lot about different New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, many people won’t manage to stick to these for more than a couple of weeks. One of the reasons could be that they are often too big a change, and do not fit in sustainably with your actual lifestyle. Another reason could be that you don’t really feel they’re something you enjoy doing, even though you know they’re healthy things to do.
I have chosen an approach that’s different to New Year’s resolutions. I have a beautiful blue notebook, where I’ve written down the values that I want to be the foundation of my daily choices. I have also written out a plan for the things I want to achieve in the coming year. It includes specific things that are truly important to me, but also things such as habits that make everyday life a little bit better and easier. In January, I bring the past year to a close in a simple way. At the same time, I make my plan for the year to come. In my family we do the same for us all as a family: my husband and me, and for each of the kids. We do it in a very simple way, but it gives a very important indicator as to where we should put our focus and energy. It’s always very rewarding to see that something has become a natural habit, or that something specific can be removed, rather than adding it to the list for completion during the year to come. It’s also a great opportunity to be happy and grateful for the things you did manage to do. Looking back at 2022, for example, I could tick the box for playing tennis (my passion) at least three times a week, regularly including a couple of new bean, lentil and potato dishes in my cooking, which the family enjoy, a simple five-minute morning and evening breathing exercise in bed, and also the fact that as a family, we have had a cosy dinner/TV evening on most Fridays.
“When it comes to health, we have a responsibility to the younger generation to model a lifestyle that is positive and desirable, and offers both mental and physical well-being.”
This year, my list consists of some very specific private things but also some simple, enjoyable habits that I want to include more in my life, especially after the pandemic years. They may sound very ordinary, but there is scientific evidence that they support both physical and mental health and well-being. When life gets stressful, it’s easy to de-prioritise simple yet important habits like these. They are all enjoyable, rewarding and contribute to a happier life!
My to-do list
2023
Laugh more
Read more
Socialise more
Play more music at home
Walk more in nature
Do more small acts of kindness
towards others
