Now that a New Year is officially underway, it’s time to turn your thoughts to what you want to achieve in 2014, and how best to go about doing so. A good mental state is the best place to start, so here are seven promises to make to yourself for the year ahead.
I will be better at forgiving others
Anger is a huge waste of energy. Accept that people you care about can be inconsiderate and even mean at times, without intending to. Address the issue where you can, but if someone repeatedly treats you poorly, don’t waste your time fuming silently – make the break and move on.
I will be better at forgiving myself
So you ate a doughnut two hours into your diet. So you bailed on a planned night put because all you wanted to do was sleep. So what? Don’t beat yourself up about small occurrences you consider failures. No one is perfect, thankfully, so give yourself a break and take the pressure off.
I will take some time for me
It’s all too easy to become caught up in the rat race, and before you know it another week has gone by without you doing anything that really makes you happy. A good work/life balance is one of the most important keys to a happy life and good mental health, so make a concerted effort to lock down a minimum of one hour a day where you just do things that make you happy – no work or ‘I need to’/’I should’ lists allowed.
I will fulfill my own dreams
Start the year by making a short list of things you would like to achieve, then take the first steps. Maybe you dream of seeing the Northern Lights? Start a savings account so you can put away even a small sum every week. Sign up to every travel agents newsletter so you can keep an eye out for good deals and cheaper times to go. Maybe you want to learn how to play an instrument? Ask a friend if you can borrow theirs for a couple of weeks, then take at least two professional lessons. You’ll have the pressure of having to give it back to keep you to deadline, you won't have spent a huge amount of money, and you’ll have a better idea after a couple of weeks whether you really could love this. If not, at least you gave it a try.
I will switch off more
We live in a world completely obsessed with technology. While the advances are impressive and the ability to connect to people all over the world in mere seconds is awe-inspiring, we all have to be able to switch off from time to time. Take your work emails off your phone. Ban technology from your bedroom for one night a week at the very least, and once in a while go a full day without. The world keeps turning, and it will do you good to power down. Literally.
I will accept my body for what it is – amazing
We all resolve to lose weight, get fit, cleanse, tone and moisturise daily… the list goes on. That’s fine when you want to improve your health and fitness, or feel more body confident. What’s not okay, though, is beating yourself up about any physical shortcomings you see when you look in the mirror. Your body is amazing, it’s the only one you have, and it’s allowed you to partake in every spectacular experience you’ve had so far in your life. Show it some respect.
I will surround myself with positive people
This is one of the single greatest things you can do for yourself. Energy is infectious, both the positive and negative variety. Pledge to spend more time around people who make you feel happy, and wean yourself off those people who sap your energy and leave you
