EVERY year is a fresh start and most people are keen to begin the new year with a few changes for the better – especially after a December spent binge eating, drinking and buying a host of unnecessary items.
But often New Year’s resolutions are quickly unresolved – usually by the time work starts up again – so it’s best to not be too overzealous with your commitments.
One or two at most is a good start, and try make them really attainable goals.
Here are a few to consider:
1. Visit a nature reserve or any area of natural beauty
We are particularly fortunate in Zululand to be surrounded by a number of game reserves, nature reserves and even a protected World Heritage Site, but it’s quite surprising the number of people who don’t take advantage of this luxury. Why not make 2020 the year of connecting with nature! You don’t have to visit every single place, but start with one. You’ll probably be inspired to try them all.
2. Try something new
So often we get stuck in a routine that soon turns into a rut, making us fear anything new or different. Break this cycle by attempting at least one new thing in 2020 that has interested you, but you’ve just been too afraid to take that first step. If you’re really ambitious, you can try one new thing a month (a new food … a new book … it doesn’t have to be big). Every new experience will make a memorable impact.
3. Take 20 minutes a day
One of the biggest realisations we have around this time of year is that time really does go by quickly. We get caught up in the day-to-day commitments and lose sight of what’s important. Try to counter this by taking 20 minutes every morning (try wake a little earlier if need be) and spend 20 minutes doing whatever makes you happy. Whether it’s reading, planning a holiday or simply watching the birds, it’s a great way to start the day – and the year.
4. Find a healthy activity you enjoy
Like it or not, exercise is a vital part of healthy and happy living, but people tend to put it off because they don’t enjoy it. This is often the case when exercise is associated with activities that aren’t suited to the individual, but with so many different types of classes and online instruction videos, you’re bound to find some form of exercise that you actually enjoy doing. It’s just a matter of trial and error – just don’t give up!
5. Don’t wait for change
“When I win the lotto…” or “As soon as I’ve finished with this, I’ll…” are the sort of things we say to avoid actually taking control of our own happiness. If there’s something wrong, fix it. If the light in the street isn’t working, contact the municipality. If you’re not happy in your job, start looking around for a new one. If you keep losing at pub quizzes, read more books. The only way things are going to change is if you change them. Simple!
Happy New Year!
