So we are about to start another year. This is usually the time we make new resolutions, resolutions about improving or changing ourselves or the things in our life. But, here’s a question – why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to do this? and who actually came up with this idea??? (according to google it dates back to over 4000 years ago, introduced by the Babylonians and it was more about pledging loyalty than starting a new diet or going to the gym – history lesson right there – thanks google!!!).
But maybe, before we move onto the new year, we should look back and see what we have already achieved, where we are and what we have accomplished, all the mistakes we’ve made and all the flaws we have and look at what we have learnt. But most importantly, we are lucky enough to still be here to celebrate starting a new year, and having the ability to make plans for the future – which is a good thing – but, it is also worth remembering that there is no guaranteed future for us (sorry for the downer!!) so we need to make sure we are kinder to ourselves and enjoy the here and now. So even after the reflection of the past year, what’s gone is gone and we can’t change what has happened, but we need to try living in each day more and living in the present.
I may be cynical, but I think it’s probably a foregone conclusion that the gyms and diet clubs will all be extremely busy for the next few months, before (for some) it all begins to peter out – people with the very best of intentions (I know I’ve been there) but those intentions don’t always stick – people get fed up because they don’t see the results happening quickly enough (again I’ve been there). So what do we do?? that magical question???? most of us tend to give up but it’s all about looking at it in a different way and not thinking of it as a new resolution - if you are thinking of it as a new year’s resolution and telling people about it – well that’s putting an untold pressure on ourselves, but by thinking about it differently – about adding that little difference into our lives and making it normal – so by making the change small and achievable, not something that is going to be unattainable as that’s where most folk tend to get put off. If going to the gym initially is too much to bear, think about starting with a walk, some simple exercises you can do at home in 20 mins (there’s absolutely loads on YouTube to suit all levels)- building up gradually until you feel ready to go to the next step. I don’t believe in diets because I don’t theink they are sustainable (well not for me anyway) but I do try and think about what I’m eating and have a good mixture – and believe me I don’t always get it right or stick to it – but it’s about not about beating yourself up – if you don’t have a good eating day then start again the next day. Even if we are getting it right most of the time there are always going to be those special occasions, meals and drinks out and so on, again it’s about not beating ourselves up or feeling guilty!!
Most of us will be getting bombarded with ads just now showing how thin we can become doing such and such exercise or by taking this or that supplement……..think about it, if there was a magic pill for all of this then all the gyms and diet companies would go bust – they make millions, relying on us all buying into the gimmicks and the constant ads. What do you see at the beginning of the year in all the shops – gym gear, diet books on sale????
A money making merry go round that these companies know people will buy into. So needless to say, and it can be hard to ignore the constant barrage, but it all comes down to the individual, it comes down to what we want, what we do and how we do it.
Lastly, whatever you do this next year, be kind to yourselves and others, don’t be too hard on yourself and try not to get sucked into that merry go round and most importantly live in each day x
60's fit and not ready to quit 