New year can be daunting especially if you are feeling lonely or isolated. But it can be an opportunity to map out changes you would like to make to lead a healthier lifestyle and increase daily movement. In a world where everything can move at such a fast pace it’s really important that we take the time to:
‘FOCUS ON OURSELVES’
Simple ways to plan changes and get moving more
Utilise online weekly planners
Schedule in special time to move that works with your day
Tailor the activity you choose to your own needs by using an activity filter
Weekly planners and schedules: https://www.canva.com/planners/templates/weekly-schedule/
Simple tricks to help you start working out and actually stick to it: https://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness/9-simple-tricks-help-you-start-working-out-actually-stick-it/
Find your active filter - Essex: www.activeessex.org/find-your-active
Ways to get moving — starter-level activities
Travel to school, work or a club in a different way
Invite a friend or colleague to try a new class or group over lunch or after work
Dance around the kitchen whilst making a cup of tea
10 Sneaky ways to fit in exercise at work: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/exercise-at-work
Happy together: The benefits of exercising with others: https://msk.org.au/happy-together/
NHS - Get Active At Home: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/home-workout-videos/
Increasing your movement — next steps
Create your own mini gym at home using simple household objects
Find some online exercise classes to try — COVID has led to additional opportunities
Join a local club or leisure centre — many will have special offers at this time of year
Five household items you can use to work out your whole body: https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/24/health/home-workout-exercise-quarantine-wellness/index.html
Find your active for free online workouts: https://www.youtube.com/@FindYourActive/playlists
Beginners guide to joining fitness classes: https://activespirit.com.mt/beginners-guide-to-joining-fitness-classes/
‘BLUE MONDAY — 15 JANUARY 2024’
Blue Monday rolls around every year on the third Monday in January. This is supposedly the saddest day of the year. Many of us find ourselves in cold weather, facing dark mornings and evenings, looking at our post-Christmas credit card bills and realising we might already be breaking our New Year’s resolutions. Using the tips above we can avoid the negative feelings this day can create and:
‘PRIORITISE OUR MENTAL HEALTH’
Simple steps to better mental health and well-being
Utilise support groups and networks and talk about anything you are worried about
Have a positive mindset and find things that you are grateful for each day
Be mindful of what is going on around you and practice self-care
Mind Mental Health Charity - Side by Side online support community: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/side-by-side-our-online-community/
Blue Monday in the workplace: https://www.healthassured.org/blog/blue-monday-in-the-workplace/
Take a moment to be mindful - 5 simple practices for daily life: https://www.mindful.org/take-a-mindful-moment-5-simple-practices-for-daily-life/
Keeping our New Year's resolutions
Often the most simple changes are those that will have the most impact on our lives. Taking one small step at a time will make it easier to stick to. Trying to share what you do with a member of your family, a friend or a colleague will give you added incentive to keep going.
Psychologically if we are thinking too big, we're not considering the 'why' behind our goals and we are not ready for change then we will fall short and fail to meet our expectations.
Being very focused, specific and realistic will all help. Accept that there will be setbacks. Think of your goals as long-term and not just for the new year. Make sure you are ready to begin and progress at your own pace. Celebrate your achievements and enjoy the process.
Why most New Year resolutions fail: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201912/is-why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail
Why new year resolutions fail: https://n26.com/en-eu/blog/why-new-years-resolutions-fail
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