New Years , New Me?

I wish each and every reader a healthy and happy 2016.

Ive decided to discuss the ever popular resolutions that the online world have assigned themselves. And the reasons why I shall be doing things a little differently this year.

Why is it that when we are at our lowest point we set unachievable goals? January is depressing for most people as the climax of Christmas is over. Winter weight is creeping on, the weather is miserable and your bank balance is likely to have taken a beating. If you work in the UK there won't be another bank holiday till Easter and pay day is a treacherous 4 weeks away.
So why do we decided to challenge our selves further? Most status updates, tweets and memes I've seen revolve around loosing weight, cutting out food and making complete life changes.
Why do it at a time that is most difficult and most depressing?

Why not reflect on the year that has passed and carry on the good work you have achieved so far?

For me one of the biggest changes was kicking Acne's butt and finding a routine that works for me. However, to maintain what I have achieved in 2015 I need to follow my regimen religiously. This is something I should be able to do. Its something I enjoy and I know I will get results from it.

Another simple change I made was brushing my teeth 3 times a day ( rather than 2) and flossing twice a day. Again this is not a big deal. I just brush my teeth at lunch and working at a dentists means there is no stigma to carrying a toothbrush. But even if you work in an office, brushing your teeth in the bathroom really isn't that strange. It will make such a difference to your oral hygiene. Now that we are all living longer we really need to ensure our teeth see us through to the end.

The other change I made was with how I care for my hair. I stopped wearing hair extensions and I swapped to Redken products. I stopped using permanent hair colours and reduced the amount of styling. I really took care of my hair and its growing back beautifully. It looks really lovely now. It took a good 18 months to get it this healthy. This is when I need to remember the hard work I put in and not go and have a head of highlights and bonded extensions.

The last change that I made this year that I shall choose to continue is meditation.
I'm not saying I know what I am doing or that I am a yoga master. I purchased a few meditation apps and once a day I take 30 minutes to myself and I meditate. It helps to keep anxiety low and I feel very peaceful. Its good for clearing my mind and preventing the dreaded " over thinking."

By setting myself these mini goals of continuing good work I am celebrating my triumphs from the year before not punishing myself.

I'm not saying don't make a resolution or don't make positive changes. What I am saying is be kind to yourself. Don't punish yourself and throw yourself into a ridiculous work out routine and restrict your calories so much you become exhausted and give up. Be realistic. Try smaller goals first. Make simple changes that you can continue throughout the year ahead and your life. Swap regular coffee to decaff or drink more water. Walk to the train station and take the stairs. Then, as January passes and life feels brighter add another change, up the ante. Remember to reflect on your achievements no matter how small and pat yourself on the back.

Take care Slap Addicts!