New Years Intentions
The Holidays are behind us, and with that we are ushered into a New Year! The New Year is often a time of resolutions, goals, but also a lot of noise around “detoxing”, cleanses, eliminations, etc! The concept of a fresh start may seem necessary following a Holiday Season of parties, heavy meals, increased consumption of alcohol & other treats that may not be normally in your diet and routine. However, the Holiday season will not have drastically changed your health or goals and they are a time to be enjoyed with friends and family, embracing the fun around you! Yes, sometimes this added in travel, indulgences, etc will leave you feeling a little different, and it is okay to reflect on that as we enter January, but don’t let that lead to total restriction or unrealistic goals for yourself.
Goal Setting and Resolutions hold an important place in many people’s personal development and growth. January is a wonderful time to set those for yourself, but it should not be the only time of that reflection, and it does not need to be the hard start of January 1. I urge my clients to set small goals and intentions throughout the year, so that we can track those and adapt with them as we see fit! Take a step back from the lofty “New Years, New You” resolutions, and work with something that works for and with you!
Try to not approach the New Year or January as “all or nothing” ! It is important to leave flexibility and grace for yourself, so that when a detour inevitably arises, you can navigate it knowing you have options to do so, and can continue on your progress. I work with my clients to think about things (food, habits, behaviors) to add IN to your day to day, instead of things to take “out” or avoid/restrict. This promotes not only a more positive mindset, but we should always be looking at what our body needs to nourish itself, not think about depleting it.
Maybe you try adding in one veggie at lunch time, or add in stretching to your workout schedule once a week! Add in reading to your nighttime wind-down and replace some screentime. Take the pressure off of New Years to be a time of drastic change so you can actually set yourself up for sustainable results.
To work on your goals for the year- think about how your past year felt. What was working for you, and what was holding you back? One of the most important things to reflect on is your “why”? Why this change? Why do you want to add this in? The late winter is a great time to re-focus on yourself, and explore how you can best serve yourself and set yourself up for a great 2023! Reach out for any more tips, some direction, accountability, or any questions you may have! Its never too late!