The new year is upon us – where did that come from?! Christmas seemed to have passed us by in a blur and we’re all left a little unsure of what day it is, whether we should be in work and what we’re supposed to be doing in general.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll find yourself in a constant state of ‘chocolate hangover,’ aka a longing for chocolate at all times of the day. Chocolate biscuits for breakfast? No hesitation. Dessert after every meal? Obviously (extra points if you can fit two in). It’s just a general kind of sugar high that keeps you awake long enough to watch those cheesy classics on repeat but lazy enough to not want to do much else…But that’s okay, that what the holidays are all about!
The important thing about the new year is to not put pressure on yourself. Yes, it’s a new year, but that doesn’t mean you have to start training for a marathon or hurrying full force into a diet of spinach and kale. Most importantly, it certainly does not mean going without the things you enjoy!
So, on that note, even though the goal-setting gurus may strongly disagree, let’s crack on and tell you all the reasons why you shouldn’t make a New Year’s resolution…You’re welcome!
You guessed it – chocolate!
January has officially hit and you can expect Instagram feeds full of fitness fanatics, supermarkets bustling with people in their active wear and colleagues suddenly bringing green smoothies into work – all the ingredients to launch you into the January slump.
Just because you may have overindulged over the festive period (we’re currently two-parts chocolate orange, one-part banoffee pie) doesn’t mean you suddenly have to go cold turkey (excuse the pun). Instead, enjoy your beloved sugary treat in moderation and we promise you’ll still shift those pesky Christmas calories.
Don’t forget, dark chocolate is actually good for you! This indulgent little treat has been known to improve heart health, cognitive function, blood pressure levels and is even an antioxidant-rich superfood – see, naughty things can be nice for you!
Relaxing is important for your health
While it might feel good to conquer each day with all your might, set yourself high goals to achieve that job promotion or go for that jog, it really is just as important to take a step back and relax.
We all have stresses and deadlines but remember to take some time for yourself and enjoy the little things. These will be different for everyone; whether it’s taking an hour out of your evening to read a few pages of your favourite book, leaving for work in the morning a little earlier so you can take the scenic route or maybe it’s just a case of making sure you have your favourite cereal in for your Friday breakfast. 2018 is about doing what you love. Read our little secret on how to achieve Cornish happiness here.
Money is best spent on memories
While we’re not about to tell you to go splashing all your hard-earned savings, we are telling you to not set yourself such hard limits. We’re sure saving money is high on many people’s New Year’s resolution lists – but here’s why we disagree.
Instead of tightening your purse strings, put it to better use instead! Money is best spent on memories, so spend a little cash and give yourself and your loved ones something to look forward to. Perhaps set yourself a smaller, more manageable goals of saving what you can for six months and then treating yourself to something nice with those savings. Think a UK staycation, an experience day, a course trying something new or even just a few of your favourite choccie bars to enjoy.
New car, new house, yadda yadda…New experiences and new memories is where true happiness hides!
Why the 1st?
There’s absolutely no reason why goals and resolutions should be set on the 1st of January every year.
Perhaps you want to set yourself a target on the 1st December to be more organised with your Christmas shopping, or at the start of spring to make those Easter chocolate cakes you loved as a child, or maybe June will be your pre-holiday ‘fitness month.’
Whatever your goal might be, why wait until the start of the New Year? If you really want it, seize the moment and go after it there and then.
Short term goals are more achievable
Everything can be broken down into chunks. Instead of setting yourself resolutions for the year, set your self mini bite-size targets which are clear to measure and achieve. With each goal you successfully tick of your list, the more motivation you’ll feel to power on with the next one. Start with the smallest first – good luck!
Will you be setting a New Year’s resolution or do you agree with us? Let us know in the comments!
