Well for me, I'm feeling optimistic, eager - like a beaver and raring to start the New Year with a bang.
My New Year's resolution is: GET FIT FOR FEBRUARY. Kind of catchy right? Precisely.
I'm a February baby so this time limit made perfect sense for me and also doesn't scream 'impossible'. I'd quite like to say that when it comes to my birthday- 22nd Feb, I'd be feeling a new and hopefully healthier woman.
People set those 'almost unreachable goals' and aim for something which is unrealistic for their resolutions.
- Lose 2 stone by the end of the month.
- Cut out all things tasty- sweets, crisps, chocolate!
- Quit smoking on the 1st Jan.
- Dry January.
Ring any bells?
First of all, those wanting to lose weight takes time and commitment, setting a dedicated amount to lose in a certain amount of time might seem clever and give you that all important goal to reach, but when you start witnessing that it is harder than you initially thought or unachievable in the period set for completion, all motivation deteriorates and we all know this can sometimes give the reverse effect (over indulgence and weight GAIN).
Secondly, we do see people achieve quitting their most prized possessions during the time of lent so this has certainly been done before. However, for the average individual- cough* me...it is extremely difficult to give up one thing that I love, let alone a whole bunch of similar treats. Ever heard of the term: Eat in moderation? Crash dieting is bad for you? It all makes sense. When you cut out everything, a sudden urge to eat it again will result in an entire binge, again reversing the effects of all that hard work. That is why I choose to give up perhaps one thing at a time and try to reduce my intake of the others?
And for Dry January...yes it's possible. You can watch your friends unwind and let loose in the club, while you stand there with a glass of water in hand- perhaps throwing shapes on the dance floor- but this time, with no excuse to blame your terrible moves on the alcohol. How about reducing your intake? Don't cut it out completely. You deserve a little relax time. You little rebel, you.
Quit smoking on the 1st of January- I am ALL for quitting smoking. I have never been a smoker so maybe I can't speak for smokers out there. However, both my parents smoke and I know how insanely difficult it is to quit. You can't just wake up one morning and tell yourself that today is the day and that last nights ciggy at 11pm was your last. It takes months to slowly reel yourself off the nicotine addiction with the use of multiple products; patches, gum.... (whatever takes your fancy).
My point? Set realistic goals, the vaguer- the better. The opposite of what I would usually do. Keen for change.
I always seem to break my resolutions early. (I like my chocolate, sweets and crisps too much).
GET FIT FOR FEBRUARY can mean what you want it to mean. And because it is so vague, you won't be disappointed. Genius!
This is how I plan to go about it:
- Cut out fast food. It's merely a month and a half- I CAN DO IT.
- Eat more fruit and veg- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SMOOTHIE MAKER
- Spread out chocolate gifts from Christmas and don't binge- SHARE 'EM.
- Squats, lunges, sit ups, push ups every night- ONLY TAKES 20 MINS OUT OF YOUR DAY.
I managed to make it through the whole Christmas holiday, avoiding the germs of everyone around me who attracted the bug that was circling around. I simply felt- 'invincible'. I was wrong- the lurgees caught up with me and I've spent the last 2 days stocking my body up with cold and flu tablets and strepsils- (extra strength) don't you know it. This resolution will be a great thing!
Good luck with yours and HAPPY NEW YEAR xxxxxxxx
