New Year, New You

How to start the new year with a new you focused on being kinder to yourself.

Whilst it’s easy to get caught up in all of the New Year news, describing how you should aim to reinvent yourself, create a ‘new you’ and improve on yourself in every way imaginable, these headlines are often not sustainable and exploiting your insecurities.

Unless these new goals are inspired by a drive to better your physical or mental health they are likely rooted in some very dangerous and unhealthy thoughts you have about yourself. This often leads people to take on objectives that are unattainable, unhealthy, or simply just not enjoyable. Which is why we want to set a new trend for you to take up this New Year, which is to be kinder to yourself.

Whilst this may seem simple, it can be made as complex as fits your needs, and tailored to specifically target something you would like to work on about yourself for 2023-whilst always reminding you to put kindness first.

Resolutions often only last a few days, weeks, or on rare occasions, months-because they rarely put you first. So as you consider your resolutions for 2023, consider first what if this ‘new you’, was kinder to yourself? How might your goal change?

Top tips to making kindness a self care priority in 2023:

Focus on improving your overall mood

Use a song, or make a playlist that makes you feel good and have it at the ready for moments when you’re not feeling so great. Consider how this action impacts your mood and reflect on what could be causing this feeling and how you can combat it more, and for longer.

Try improving your sleep schedule

Try a wind down routine that puts self care first and slowly relaxes you ready for bed. Set a bed time, but don’t create strict rules you must follow to have successfully completed this routine. Take a shower/bath, read before bed, watch a film or an episode of your favourite TV show.

Remove yourself from situations that isolate you

Make a conscious effort to get outside, go for a walk and get some Vitamin D. Morning sunshine has the best benefits! Set some time aside to catch up with friends, whether on the phone, text or for a chat over coffee.

Make mindfulness part of your day

Through a cup of tea, journaling, focused breathing exercises or grounding activities. Make mindfulness a daily habit.

Make an effort to get moving more

Set a small goal to get active each day, whether that be to go on a walk, join a fitness class or sign up to our Step into January challenge.