This may be the first January in a really long time where I did not put pressure on myself to make a dramatic change. I wrote down no resolutions, no goals (at least not yet), incorporated no elimination diet and did not partake in dry January. I get why people do resolutions, I used to do them all the time, and most likely will again, but this year I didn’t feel the need or want, and I’m OK with it.
I would say one thing I have been doing the past two weeks in the new year is being more present and focusing on some important priorities rather than getting sidetracked with frivolous stuff. I also have a home renovation that is in now in full swing so that has been taking up more of my time. While I didn’t put big pressure on any resolutions or goals, I did adhere to some new things that are making me feel more positive in the new year.
See below on how I’ve been easing into 2020:
Enjoying the moment, connecting with nature and enjoying that sunshine even on a cold day. Getting outside, breathing in that fresh cold air has been so helpful for my mind and it also feels really nice and refreshing. Plus, it’s more important to me than ever especially in this crazy digital world to disconnect as much as possible, so being out in nature and walking or running often puts my mind at ease and helps me tackle my to-do list head on for the day or evening.
Doing a damp January, not dry. I saw this “damp” terminology recently and loved it. I didn’t go crazy overboard with the drinking during the holidays, so maybe this is why I feel I don’t need to eliminate alcohol all together, but I like the term “damp” especially in the dreary month of January. Last January, I went 25 days without a drink, which made me really proud, but I wasn’t social at all. However, January can be a depressing month so meeting with up good company with a delicious cocktail or good glass of wine feels good for the soul. I am trying not to do any drinking at home unless people are over or it’s a special dinner with my husband.
My way of intermittent fasting. I started to do this in December, and I really liked the way it made me feel. I try not to eat past 8pm and the next day hold off on breakfast (just coffee and water) till about 11am-12pm. I feel by doing this type of “fasting” I’m not as hungry and overeating as much as I was when I would eat breakfast. Of course, there are some exceptions such as weekends when there is bacon (can’t resist) or nights we go out for dinner past 8pm, but during the week it has been my new rule. On the days when I’m hungry, I’ll eat some berries or even have an egg and just start back up the next day.
Switching up my workout. I have not done a new workout in a long time. I normally do HIIT or a circuit class two times a week with running or walking the dog on other days and I’ve been good with that, but I’ve been neglecting my core and maybe some stretching and toning. I used to do Pilates and most likely will go back, but I’ve been hearing about Legree and wanted to try it. Legree is on the megaformer and is similar to a class I used to take in NYC called SLT. I’ve taken Legree at CoreFit in Providence three times so far and every time I leave I’m a little shakier and feel stronger.
Cooking up a storm with new recipes. One thing, I’ve been doing more at home is cooking and trying new recipes. Also, incorporating more vegetarian meals for me and my husband (the kids do love meat). Some meals I’ve recently loved: cauliflower tacos, chicken enchiladas, white bean stew with broccoli rabe, chicken lettuce wraps, homemade chicken soup (to fight off some oncoming colds) and broccoli bolognese with gluten free or chick pea pasta.
Digital Detoxing – I have been taking little digital detox breaks and loving it. It feels right for me, and it also feels good to step back and clear my head rather than just posting random stuff. I feel things have been getting out of hand with social media and it’s nice to take little breaks here and there. I come back to certain social media platforms more involved and interested than just that wasteful scroll.
Do you guys make resolutions or goals in the New Year? Please share in the comments below.
Main image by Roxanne Bryant
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