How to keep New Year's resolutions for a healthier 2022
For some of us, New Year's resolutions can be a bit of a joke - we say we'll join the gym, drink less or stop smoking, but know a bout of mid-January blues will rekindle bad habits.
But psychologist, author, and podcaster Susie Pearl insists we should stick to our guns as trying to keep a well-targeted resolution can greatly improve our health, wellbeing, and relationships.
"There's no better time than the start of a New Year to get thinking about what we want to bring into this year and give our traditional resolutions a shake-up and a revamp," Susie suggests. "Setting New Year resolutions is an incredibly powerful way to create some big changes and shifts in life."
The expert explains that setting goals and milestones are an important motivator in changing negative behaviour.
"When we make resolutions, our mind takes on this focus and helps us get creative in achieving them - the simple act of setting an intention gives us such a turbo boost from the inside that we get a new motivation and enhanced power to bring these changes in," she shares.
As to what kind of goals we should be setting - she has highlighted some basic ones that are a good starting point for those looking to improve their lives in 2022.
Her suggestions include spending more time with friends and family, putting money into a savings account, doing something out of our comfort zone each week, decluttering our homes, reducing stress and unhealthy habits like drinking and smoking, and living each day as if it matters.
However, resolutions can be difficult to keep - so she has advice on how to make sure your goals for 2022 don't get abandoned before you've even taken the tinsel down.
"Firstly, write down a list of things you would like to bring in or change this year," the mind expert advises. "There are no limits and go out of your comfort zone as much as you can. Get really clear about what you want. Once you have your list, go back through it and re-order it into priorities.
"Next, edit it so that it is accurate, clear and with detail. Make sure it's ultimately achievable and take off anything you're not committed to. Keep the list real and make it important."
Also, try to keep your resolutions positive, get a buddy to help motivate and support you, and make achieving your goals fun - for example, taking a class or getting new workout gear can inspire you to get active.
Finally, we should remember that resolutions shouldn't be a chore - they are about living happier, healthier lives. Something we can all get behind after a tough few years!
