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January has become a time when we feel compelled to go cold turkey from Christmas fun and indulgence to a harsh programme of self-improvement, punishing exercise, strict diets, and learning new skills. All while cleaning the house, spending no money and avoiding treats.
If you want to make a positive fresh start to the year while being kind to yourself, this blog is for you.
Let's make sure we're occasionally indulging and treating ourselves right. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, but to combat the winter weather; you could treat yourself to a new scented candle or take some time to indulge in a chapter of a new book at your favourite local coffee spot. Maybe find a new recipe for a Friday night fake-away, or cosy up in front of the fire with a great movie and a deliciously indulgent Dale Farm Rapture ice cream.
Due to the typical Northern Irish weather in January, we'll probably be spending a lot of time inside; therefore, now is the ideal time to try out a new hobby! You'll not only pick up a new skill, but hobbies can also be a great way to improve your mental health. Spend time on your interests, whether they are in music, painting, or something else entirely…Winter can be a terrific time to take it easy, explore new interests, and find your passions.
Take some time to make a few little improvements to your area, as January usually means spending a bit more time inside.
To feel better, consider making minor adjustments. Rearranging furniture is the simplest way to transform a room completely. If you want to change the lighting, move some lamps from one room to another, or swap out art and display it on a different wall. Add a plant, some artwork, or a fragrant candle to your desk if you work from home. Tiny changes can be just enough to add a sense of novelty.
The unrestricted treats of Christmas might be over, but we still need to enjoy our food to make a healthy eating plan sustainable. We should aim for simplicity: uncomplicated nutritious meals, eating seasonally, trying for five a day, and drinking more water. Treats shouldn’t be banned. Hopefully, you’ll feel better for it but not full of resentment at a restricted diet plan. Treat yourself to one of our Dale Farm Favourites with one of the Cool Crew - a sweet treat not too high in calories.
Exercise is one of the best things we can do for our well-being and mood. A quick walk with friends might be a great way to get some fresh air and release those feel-good endorphins. Keep it simple, whether it's the gym, going for a walk, eating fruit, drinking less, or stretching more, choose just one of those things and absolutely smash it each week. The simpler it is, the more likely we are to do it, and the better we’ll feel. If we try to change too much at once, there is no way we can stick to it. Getting up for a 20-minute walk 3 times a week will do more for you than saying you will walk 10k steps for 7 days but not getting out at all because the goal feels too much.
Check out the best walking trials in Northern Ireland.
If you decide to up your self-care this year, don't be too hard on yourself if it doesn't feel completely natural making yourself a priority. Trying is an essential part of self-care; failure is just as important as a success because every mistake we make means we're learning and growing. Focus on growth instead of the destination, and know we're always moving towards something good.
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