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With the start of a new year, every magazine seems to echo the mantra of a “new you.” But what does that concept truly mean?
A recent survey reveals that the most common New Year’s resolutions involve exercising more, losing weight, and eating healthier. Last year, after an indulgent holiday filled with wine and treats on a family ski trip, I decided to try a “dry January.” Though I had never attempted it before, I felt compelled to commit to “more water, less wine.” Surprisingly, over two million others made similar efforts, aiming to cut back on alcohol for the month. Yet, according to daysoftheyear.com, January 17th often marks the day many people abandon their resolutions.
Why do so many resolutions fall through? Every year, we pledge to cut carbs, embrace morning runs, go vegan, or quit drinking. Yet, by mid-January, we find ourselves slipping back into old habits.
As a self-motivated person, I try to start each day positively, but willpower can be elusive. I’m not alone; only eight percent of people manage to keep their New Year’s resolutions. So, as busy mothers, how do we choose resolutions we can realistically maintain?
Here are some resolutions I hope to keep:
- More Rest, Less Scrolling: Aiming for eight hours of sleep often feels impossible. New parents lose about six weeks of sleep annually, so catching up on lost hours is crucial.
- More Creativity with My Kids: While crafting with my children can be chaotic, I’m determined to embrace more creativity, even if it means enduring spilled glitter and mess.
- Healthier Drinking Choices: Inspired by how James Bond looks so fresh, I’m opting for lower-calorie drinks. A single gin is lighter than a pint of beer or glass of wine, which adds up when enjoying a few drinks.
- Time for Myself: Studies indicate that mothers get only 17 minutes of personal time per day. Even a slight increase in “me time” would make a difference.
- Saying No When Needed: It’s essential to allow ourselves to decline commitments. Let’s make 2018 the year of granting ourselves a bit of breathing space.
Check out the Guilty Mother blog for more insights.
