New Year, New You

Are you ready to jump into 2023 with more energy, serenity and confidence? Read on for our simple mind- and body-boosting tips to help you kick-start the New Year.

Facing another cold, dark January can be daunting; however, the new year really does offer a fresh start. It’s a great time to make small changes to your daily life that will make a difference for the rest of your year.

Read on for our tips:

How to calm your mind

There are many techniques you can try to help calm your mind, including meditation, mindfulness and breathwork.

If you keep meaning to try meditation but never get around to it, here are some great apps to get you started:

• Headspace
• Calm
• Buddhify

You can also check out the brilliant NHS Every Mind Matters website for ways to boost your mental wellbeing.

Why is exercise important?

Exercise helps improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Most importantly, any exercise is better than none.

More exercise? No sweat! If you keep telling yourself you’ll start on Monday but never do, why not start with something a little less strenuous? For example, walking is one of the very best forms of exercise and it doesn’t take a lot of energy. Find out more about the benefits of walking for your health here.

Forming new habits

Widen your horizons. Podcasts and audiobooks are a fabulous way to focus on something interesting for an hour or so every day – which in itself is a kind of meditation. Try tuning in at the same time daily and stay consistent in order to form a healthy habit.

Go out in nature

Nurture nature! Get close to nature - whether you start your day with a coffee in the garden, go out and look at the stars before bed or get off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way to work. Make it a point to get outside every single day. Yes, even when it’s raining – head out with your umbrella!

A great way to be present and practise mindfulness is to go for a walk. A great tip to keep your senses engaged when you’re out is to look for and mentally list five beautiful things. A brilliant way to harness a sense of gratitude!

Making these small changes to your daily life will not only improve your mental and physical wellbeing but will also have a positive knock-on effect on those around you! New Year, New You!