Easing into 2022
Wishing you all a very happy new year. This time of year can be a bit overwhelming with everyone talking about setting goals and making big new years resolutions, it can feel like a lot of pressure. Add to that the Christmas season is great fun but the overindulgence can leave us feeling under par, less energetic & without motivation. Rather than setting about making huge changes it can be good to just add in little healthy habits each day, nothing too taxing; more veg, more water, less booze, more sleep. All of these things add up to a whole lot of change over time.
A nice exercise I really enjoyed is pondering what went well in 2021, what I am grateful for and what is no longer serving me & I am ready to let go of and leave it behind me. And for the year ahead what are those things I want to invite more of, the things that light me up. This tuning into the things that make you feel joy and practising gratitude have proved so effective for me in boosting my mood, keeping on top of negativity and generally improving the relationship with myself.
So how does all this relate to nutrition, well its all connected of course. If you think that what you eat literally becomes you. Your body is built up from the foods we eat and all the processes/functions are supported by nutrients we absorb. So what if those components aren’t there? Then our mood, motivation, energy is all going to be effected negatively which come on lets face it, makes everything so much more difficult.
Our blood sugar balance, gut health and inflammation status all impact our mood and ability to manage stress. After an indulgent period like Christmas with more sugar, alcohol, less sleep, more stress all of these will have taken their toll on us, leaving us feeling depleted.
Simple changes in the other direction can have us feeling back on track very quickly but it can be easier said than done when you are in a cycle of eating poorly or thinking negatively so its really about breaking that cycle and replacing those things with more positive elements.
There can be a period of having to override what you feel like doing, with giving something a chance with the knowing that it will support you & having a little faith that it will make you feel better day by day. My go-to’s for body would be a green smoothie or homemade soup and for the mind, listening to positive affirmations or writing a gratitude list.
Here’s a list of some small helpful things to try over the next few weeks to get you feeling more energetic, positive & motivated;
- Add in more veg
- Drink more water
- Try a smoothie
- Reduce alcohol
- 5 mins meditation
- Make soup
- A walk in nature
- Daily walk
- Get a hug
- Smile more
- Listen to positive affirmations
- More you-time
- Journal
- Write a gratitude list
- Eat more plant foods
- Reduce phone time
- Sleep more
- Do the things that light you up
- Laugh more
- Try some veggie meals
- Say thank you
- Appreciate yourself
- Take time to cook
- Treat yourself
If anyone would like some individual support in improving health, managing anxiety or low mood, please get in touch, I would be only delighted to help.
I am so passionate about this area after seeing the benefits that a healthy diet & lifestyle has made to my mental health.
Happy New Year to you all
Kara x
