New Year's Resolutions – Less is More

Posted On: January 6th, 2014


In 2014 we all want to be better people than we were in 2013. When it comes to resolutions, we tend to think that bigger is better, that extreme changes will somehow erase all the regrets of the previous year.  Unfortunately however, we tend to bite off more than we can chew and we make resolutions that are very hard to keep.

It is important to remember that we are still the same person as we were last year. We still enjoy the same pleasures and have the same vices so it is unlikely we will maintain huge changes.  However small shifts in behaviour are much easier to achieve and a lot more sustainable throughout the year.

In Chinese Medicine, we talk a lot about finding balance, that delicate tight-rope walk between doing something too much or too little. Achieving balance in our lives isn’t a static, frozen experience. Sometimes we teeter out of balance and we have to bring ourselves back. And that’s OK.

So here’s a thought:

Rather than trying to set yourself up for disappointment with unrealistic resolutions, why not find small and simple ways to bring yourself back to that middle place.

Here are simple suggestions for you:

  • Try this 60 second Morning Acupressure Routine to get your body ready for the day (http://youtu.be/kLLMBC0PZAM)
  • Drink more water. Try starting each day with a pint of warm water with lemon. find out why here: (http://tinyurl.com/d67trdx)
  • Move every day. whether this is taking the dog for a walk, riding your bike to work or dancing around the kitchen. Our bodies are not designed to be static! movement will make you happier, less stressed, and better equipped to handle life.
  • Eat less sugar: Sugar is addictive, increases insulin and affects the way our body lays down fat. read more here: (http://tinyurl.com/pn85nos). The less you eat, the less you will crave it.
  • Stretch! watch this wonderful video to learn why this is important (http://youtu.be/_FtSP-tkSug) and learn some simple stretches here (http://tinyurl.com/5hwlyb)
  • Limit your time on your smartphone or computer: the web is often just an aid for procrastination. It can reduce our ability to concentrate and social media can even make us unhappy (http://tinyurl.com/o69kd93).  Instead why not chat to your family and friends who are in the room with you! Or get outside and meet real people. Reclaim your real life!
  • Get Acupuncture, regularly! Find out more here

Happy New Year! Let’s make it a good one.

 

Eleanor Breen Acupuncture, Bristol