Happy January and Happy Flippin’ New Year!
Local Women columnist Jordan Arnold says give yourself a break in 2025 and stay away from tough New Year’s resolutions.
2025 has commenced, and with that, I suspect that many of us have made ludicrous promises to ourselves? Vowing to become the best new versions of human beings we can possibly be, having rolled out of December feeling bloated, lethargic and unmotivated? It’s easy to begin January with vim and vigour; all fired up to meet the ‘new you’ in the not-too-distant future. Then, we all know what happens – having bitten off more than we can chew (or less, if you embarked on some silly fad diet) – we lose interest in any and all forms of self-improvement and end up feeling like a failure when we can even our resolutions before we’ve even got the beds back in the roof space.
Sound familiar? If so, how about this January, instead of trying to hit the ground running as you hurtle towards the big picture of what the next 12 months will look like, you cut yourself some slack? There’s no other month in the year where all of mankind collectively excheques “Oh my word, it’s January again!” So why do we do it to ourselves? We’re tired, it’s cold, our jeans are a little tight, our tax returns are due, and our bank accounts are weeping? Give yourself a chance!
Here are a few things that you could do with the remainder of your January to feel productive and a little sense of achievement: no fasted cardio, green juices, deprivation, huge life upheaval or drastic changes necessary.
Clear out your wardrobe and be ruthless.
If you didn’t wear it in 2024, really question its place in your home. I’m desperate for holding on to clothes for donkeys and whilst I think it’s great to hold onto quality, key items I still wear, it may be time to admit that the size 6 flimsy top I bought in Primark when I was 13 could probably safely be donated. It’s a good opportunity to get organised, clear space and potentially make a few quid if you’ve anything you can stick on Vinted.
Clear out your makeup drawer, clean it and wash your makeup brushes.
Not to freak you out with my psychic powers, but I know it’s been ages since you did this. Since it’s so therapeutic, no anyway – take the opportunity to bin palettes, to throw away stubby eye pencils that nearly cut me every time I use them and to see my brushes brought back to life after a good wash and blow dry.
Walk. Just walk.
It’s so good for you physically and mentally. It doesn’t have to be the mythical 10k steps every day. Just aim to walk more than you currently do and that’s a great start. I know the weather is yuck and you want to sit inside and eat cheese but get a coat on and get out for even half an hour and you will feel so much better.
Prioritise self-care.
I know self-care is a bit of a new age buzzword that we often take to mean “have a bath and do a face mask”, but January is actually such a good time to care for oneself, properly. Let’s face it, it’s typically a pretty antisocial month – we’re all a bit skint, trying to curtail our booze intake and laying low after a very social month. So, what better way to exploit your lack of obligations than by prioritising you? Yes, that could be a bath and a face mask. It could be improving your sleep schedule or making a dentist appointment, doing some stretching or rediscovering a hobby that brings you joy. Self-care looks different on everyone, but it’s always a worthwhile investment.
Book something to look forward to.
It doesn’t have to be your dream holiday (although if it’s within your means, it absolutely could be). Local staycations, restaurants you want to try, city breaks you want to take, friends you want to catch up with… etc. They don’t all need to be physically set in stone, especially if deposits are involved, but try to agree upon a time in the year you will do them, do some research and get excited for lovely things to come.
I know it can feel like you’re wading through January, counting down to the very end, but I hope you begin the year with kindness and happiness, both for yourself and for those you love. Do what you need to do and have a happy beginning to 2025!
4o
