You may have missed us at the start of the month when we usually share our blog, but we figured you were busy in the excitement of taking your first steps towards your New Year’s resolutions.
And how is that going?
If you’re anything like a third of the population you may be grappling with the internal force of resistance that is trying to keep you from sticking to your goals.
Despite our best intentions resistance always seems to show up when we seek to challenge ourselves. It’s a bit like trying to escape quicksand; you want to, you really do, but you just can’t.
Resistance comes from deep within and is that voice convincing you that you need more sleep when your alarm sounds, the voice that assures you that this one packet of crisps won’t matter and the force that has you doing anything but that which you know you should be doing to create change.
As frustrating as it is, resistance is a fact of life and when we accept this and seek to understand the unique way it shows up for us-that is when we’ll be able to sidestep its power.
This is a mental game so let’s put our thinking caps on and create a plan that will allow the positive change we desire.
Firstly, it’s important to make note of how resistance shows up for you. Is it a reflex to pick up your phone and start scrolling? A call to the sofa to turn on Netflix? Or perhaps it’s a pull that finds you standing in the kitchen staring blankly into the fridge?
Once you have identified how resistance shows up, you're more likely to catch yourself before giving in to it.
For any change to take root we need to be consistent, so finding a time that is sustainable is key. For many of us, taking 5-10 minutes first thing in the morning is the best way to get started. Little and often has a surprising way of creating long term results...so what time of day will work for you?
As most resolutions are usually based on the desire for a healthier lifestyle let’s focus on four general options you can choose from each day during those 5-10 minutes. Having a choice will allow you to find what feels good in that moment…and if you're able to do more than one a day, then even better.
· Welcome movement-
Lay your yoga mat out next to the bed before going to sleep so that you can roll right onto it in the morning and stretch into cat/cow. Queue up a playlist that you know will get you moving and explore what feels good for your body as you loosen up for the day.
· Embrace healthier eating-
Take your time to prep vegetables so they are ready to grab for a healthy snack. Cut up carrots, cucumbers and celery, have hummus at the ready, and you’ll be set to turn unhealthy snacking into a session that fuels your body.
· Get out into nature-
Birdsong, the green of trees and a breath of fresh air have a way of making everything better. Stepping into the garden to sip your tea or taking time to visit your local greenspace is bound to have a positive effect on your spirits.
· Create time for Self-reflection-
Taking even 3 minutes a day to write down how you are feeling, what makes you feel excited, or anything you need to change in your current situation, will lead to greater self-awareness and the likelihood of staying motivated.
Most importantly though is that you embrace an attitude of kindness throughout. There is nothing healthy about self-criticism and any amount of effort is better than none.
It’s never too late to take steps towards positive change. Start small and grow it from there- placing yourself firmly on the path to a brighter 2025!
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