Happy Healthy New Year!

As we roll into a New Year there is a plethora of “New Year, New Me” mantras. filled with virtuous intentions:

• – Be more present
• – Lose ‘x” pounds
• – Get Fit
• – Be healthier

I quite religiously have partaken on pretty much all of them.

According to statistics, roughly 30% of people don’t bother making a New Year’s resolution because they know they won’t maintain it.Only approximately 8% of people follow through on their New Year’s resolutions. I think, in my own unscientific opinion, it comes down to having ambitious aspirations when you are already overloaded given our world right now.

I     Get   It

This year, given how challenging and quite honestly exhausting the past 2 years with this pandemic, I am choosing a gentler, kinder list of resolutions. Watching the news with its onslaught of Covid facts, Vax facts and Anti-Vaxers has been draining mentally and emotionally.

So here are my resolutions for 2022 that I hope are something that will improve me, my life and my overall wellness:

1. Start Journaling

For years in my youth I kept a journal, and then later I always kept travel journals to keep the wonderful memories fresh. That has fallen off, but yet I still do go back through those old journals and reflect on not only the challenges but more especially the small, momentous moments.

There is something truly cathartic about writing down your thoughts, memories and anxieties. True, it does capture wonderful moments at different times in your day/year, but it has been proven that keeping a journal can manage anxiety, reduce stress and cope with depression.

2. Make easy health options your plan

Yes.. This dovetails into the ‘weight loss’ resolution, but rather than put a number on the scale, make the resolution a small step to your overall health:

• – Ensure greens and vegetables account for 70% on your dinner plate
• – Sweet treats (muffins, ice cream, ice frappe lattes etc.) are for day X of the week only
• – Reduce ‘white’ on your plate (white bread, white rice, potatoes)
• – Keep the libations for the weekend. The overall consumption of alcohol in Canada (and I daresay in other countries) rose during the pandemic. Yup. Guilty as charged here!

3. Make sleep a priority

There is so much to be said about the benefits of good sleep. Not easy when home schooling, remote working, trying to manage your household. But winding down your day with a cup of tea, a good book and getting off screen to ensure a good night’s sleep has many benefits.

According to studies, a good night’s sleep will not only improve your overall health it will specifically will:

• – Keep your brain sharp. Your brain needs to recharge. That’s because sleep plays a big part in both learning and memory. Not having enough sleep, it’s tough to focus and take in new information.
• – Boost your mood. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increase in negative emotions (anger, irritation, impatience, and melancholy) and a decrease in happy moods, according to studies. Sleep deprivation is a common sign of mood disorders like depression and anxiety. It can also increase the likelihood of developing, and even contribute to, some mood disorders. Clearly getting your zzz’s in will contribute to ensuring a positive spin to your overall mood.

While you sleep, your brain also works on processing your emotions. This time is necessary for your mind to recognise and react appropriately. When you shorten something like that, you’re more likely to have negative emotional reactions and fewer pleasant ones.

4. Rid your life of toxins

I am not talking about processed foods, alcohol and the like.. it’s about releasing yourself from toxic people in your life.

On the work front that may mean distancing yourself from those that are passive aggressive with your career journey. You must hold fast to your own belief that YOU know you are capable, respected and a valued associate.

On the personal front it’s about keeping those that that add stress and negativity to your life on the peripheral.   I’ll admit being a lifelong people pleaser to all. In my later years now I have to say letting go (or distancing) those that do not bring love and joy to your life is liberating.

As the song goes: “Love the one(s) you’re with”

And as another song goes:   “Let it go”

5. Enjoy the quiet

There is a lot to be said about the quiet moments…whether to read, reflect, or walk in nature.

The stillness of quiet time recharges the brain and soothes the soul. This does not have to be a scheduled thing, however if you make a 20 minute park walk, a cup of tea on your balcony/deck/backyard, or a snuggle on the couch with a comfy throw blanket with a good book or article on your iPad a few times during your week, you will feel a guilty pleasure of this stillness.

So there you go. That is my personal, and I hope, achievable plan for 2022. I believe in baby step, achievable goals and not being so hard on yourself to start something new or a different shift in your life. Though some have already slowly worked into my life plan, I hope for a healthier and more mindful New Year.

Wishing you all a kind and healthy New Year!

Xo – Sandra

Sources:

WebMD

Healthline.com

Psycom.net

Mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Photo credits to:

Daniel Frank

Roman Pohoreki

Ketut Subiyanto

Oleg Magnir

Tairon Fernandez