Healthy habits aren't just for January, in the same way a dog isn't just for Christmas. That first month of the year might have seen you participate in a dry or damp January, start a fitness regime, set some goals and written down your manifestations for the year, but suddenly February rolls around and many people hang up those gym shoes and slip back into those 2022 habits. It doesn't need to be that way though…
It's not about being a perfect habit human but I do believe it's about becoming more intentional and mindful about creating an overall healthy lifestyle (progress, not perfection, is the key). This shouldn't just be in place for one month of the year. If these healthier choices make us feel better then wouldn't it be a positive step to maybe look at extending them to the months beyond January (and yes, Dry Janners, I am looking at you).
Create a foundation of self-compassion
When it comes to our habits we may have got super carried away in January by creating changes that maybe aren't sustainable for us on a long-term basis. Can we give ourselves some self- compassion and make peace with the fact that, though we might not keep up all new year habits (which is totally ok), we are willing and able to take the ones that gave us the best benefits? For example, you may have signed up for a 30-day yoga challenge and felt fantastic but the idea of 30 more days feels unsustainable. Could you maybe look at creating space twice a week for a yoga practice as you know it makes you feel good?
It’s not the same as journaling.
Reduce the barriers to entry for your new habits
If you want to continue your not drinking stint or indeed cut down, maybe it's wise to always have a good low or no-alcohol selection in your fridge at home, instead of having a full fridge of beer and wine that might be tempting to indulge in more than you initially intended. If you want to continue your gym routine make sure your gym bag is packed the night before or if you want to continue your meditation practice, ensure that your alarm is always set at the same time so you can make space for this at the beginning of the day. Preparation is key for consistency and creating accessible habits.
Create or find a community
If you have committed to wanting to do more running, join a Park Run. If you are wanting to drink less take yourself to an alcohol free event and make like minded friends. Ask a close friend or family member if they would be up for checking-in with you to see how you're doing and give you some accountability (or even better ask them to join in with your new positive changes). Look online to see if there are any groups you can find that you can regularly check in with. Creating a support network around you can be key in keeping those habits on track.
Celebrate yourself
Celebrating the small wins can be great for your mental health and creating momentum to carry on. You might want to make yourself a delicious breakfast after your morning exercise routine, buy your favourite alcohol-free fizz as an end-of-week celebration or write down the things you are proud of yourself for. The more positivity your brain can associate with your new habits the more likely it will be that it will want to carry on and eventually make it second nature to feel good and do the best for yourself.
Taking it step by step.
Get back on track as soon as you can
We're only human, and so there will be times when it feels hard to stay consistent. We might have a mental health dip, work might become too busy or a big life event happens that is out of our control. Whatever it is, know that in any moment you can get yourself back on track, reach for the self-compassion and start again (come on, you've done it once already).
Remember to view this as wanting to create an overall healthier and happier lifestyle. It's not about being perfect it's just about cultivating self compassion, self-love and supporting yourself to live your life feeling the best you can.
You can find more of Emily on Instagram via @iamemilysyphas or @soberandsocial_, or by visiting www.emilysyphas.com and www.soberandsocial.com.
