Start Fresh – With One New Thing.
So, growing up I never really understood the concept of New Years Resolutions. It was not something my parents ever discussed or implored. The emphasis was on the new year but never focused on anything to change or make better in your life. I can’t determine if this was because things were typically middle class -including all the normal daily stress or if it was important to just be happy with what we had and not complain. That was a definite theme – NEVER COMPLAIN.
But as I grew up and matured (still up for debate), friends would ask what I was ready to change in my life. They’d ask “are you going to exercise more” … “giving up red meat”… “start journaling”… you get the picture. I saw the whole thing as an exercise in futility. Why bother? So, you can stop doing whatever you said you would do and now feel like a failure, wrapped it guilt. What a pessimist view, right? I failed to see it as an opportunity for growth. Now I know that change doesn’t have to only occur on January 1. You can take up a new wellness routine anytime. For example, last August (2023), my best friend encouraged me to start meditating. She loves meditation and wanted me to incorporate it and all its benefits into my daily routine. “No thank you” I would always say and respond with a “I don’t do silence.” But this time, I said yes. In August, not January. I did not wait for the proverbial new start to incorporate something I was somewhat certain I would not like or enjoy. Well, I was completely wrong. Pleasantly so too. I downloaded a free app called Insight Timer, which included guided meditation, music, inspirational quotes, etc. Now, more than a year later, I enjoy and look forward to “checking in” and finding a few minutes to listen to some uplifting and inspiration words (usually with a lovely accent… I am a sucker for an accent).
So now being a life coach, I help people make changing in their lives. Time management seems to be one of the biggest hurdles in adding any new wellness activities into your day and even week. So, my best perspective and advice is incorporate (i.e. ADD) one thing first. My personality is to add tons at first and see what fails and what sticks. But I now think this is not a practical application for change. Take a minute and be honest where you want to make a change. Here are some ideas and questions to ask yourself:
- What areas in my life cause me the most frustration? Is it your mornings that always feel so overwhelming? Is it the lack of a bedtime routine? Take inventory on when and how you feel stressed or anxious and then hyperfocus on how you can make a change.
- What hobbies did you enjoy when you were younger that relaxed you? Were you into puzzles, crosswords, art (drawing or coloring), journaling? These are now becoming so mainstream in helping adults get back to a state of relaxation and peace. I am personally obsessed with coloring and it’s great to just unplug. These hobbies have been shown (yes, actual research) to help with stress and even pain. So, dig deep into your most favorite hobby because that can be something that helps with the ongoing stress of this modern world.
- What types of wellness activities do you do daily or even several times a week? I know we all try to “get some steps in” since the incorporation of step-counters but what about yoga, what about meditation, or even listening to crystal sound bowls on You Tube. Adding one of these in your life for a month, can have very beneficial effects. I am not saying abandon your morning run or gym routine; just add another more mindful activity to help disperse stress and anxiety.
The new year can mean a lot of new things too – new hairstyle, new favorite color to incorporate into your wardrobe; it does not need to be some huge life change. But if you feel like you do need a real refresh, be honest with yourself on the things that you need and want to change. The time is now; do not put off taking care of yourself or living a more fulfilling life. There is nothing more satisfying than finding a way to better yourself and ultimately, take care of yourself. It is not a one size fits all. Figure out what you need; because you deserve it. And remember the time is NOW… not just on January 1.
Happy New Year!
*As seen in Baldwin Park Living, Jan 2025*