New Ways to Approach the New Year

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, is it not time we went out with the old goals and in with the new? Let’s make 2019 about more than just weight loss and a commitment to getting fit.

As we say a grateful goodbye to a tough 2018, we look at ways you can not only benefit your physical wellbeing but mental health through our alternative list of resolutions.

1/ Viewing life in person opposed to through a screen - Turn off technology day

In 2018 we saw the concept of people choosing where they lived and went on holiday based on the Instagram ability of the location.

To further compound the point Ibis hotels in Geneva and Zurich introduced “social media sitters” to take pictures of individuals holidays and post them on guest’s accounts.

Although we are advocates for the use of social media, we are not at the expense of experience. Therefore, our first alternative new year’s resolution is to have a “turn it off technology day” reminding us all to enjoy experiences in person opposed to through a phone screen.

2/ Committing to doing less opposed to more

New year, new start, you are feeling enthused and ready to commit to a long list of resolutions and goals, but we think you should do less opposed to more. Here, are our reasons why;

• Fewer goals make it less stressful.
• You will be happier. Therefore, family and friends will be too. Emotional contagion is where one person’s behaviour can influence and trigger another. Do not make loved ones miserable with your exhaustive list of goals.
• A smaller list means you are far more likely to achieve all of them opposed to a few. Your success will increase your confidence and self-esteem alongside encouraging you to continue.

3/ Ambidextrous approach

Scientists believe that we can train our brains to think differently by teaching ourselves to be ambidextrous (use both hands equally well). By applying our thought to different ways of thinking and acting, we cannot only make ourselves more open-minded, but creative.

We are not suggesting all right-handed writers begin using their left hand, but for you to act and think in a varied way. It could be as simple as choosing a different dish to eat, your route to work or your reading material.

By doing so, you could potentially improve both your work and personal life through a neuroplastic approach.

As defined by medicinenet.com: Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Allowing the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment.

4/ Listening more speaking less

“Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk”. - Doug Larson

There is a difference between listening and waiting to speak. Learn it, practice it and we promise you will reap the benefits in all aspects of your life.

Listeners benefit not only from knowledge but trust. It is an empowering tool. Believe us when we say if you take the time to listen to other’s they will offer you the same courtesy when it is your time to speak.

Remember when it comes to resolutions the secret to success is fun as well as commitment. Our suggestions are cost-free, but sure to provide you with some valuable entertainment and learning.

This year treat yourself to a mental health MOT alongside a physical wellbeing overhaul, with our top alternative tips for mental wellness and health. We promise you are not the only one who will benefit.

By Emma Smith