- Are New Year’s Resolutions Helpful?
For many, this time of year makes us excited to have resolutions and to spend some time reflecting on goals for the upcoming year. If that’s you, I celebrate it. Having the time and space to create accountability is always helpful IF that approach works for you. If, however, it doesn’t, then it’s okay to consider a different method.
For some, especially those who may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this time of year can be difficult getting through daily routines, let alone setting overly lofty goals or even new nutrition plans and exercise routines. What can be more helpful for some of us is to embrace a slower, cozy lifestyle that allows for rest and rejuvenation until the weather breaks.
We can get some tips for how to achieve this atmosphere from looking at the Danish concept of hygge, pronounced “hue-gah” or “hoo-guh, which in its essence means to create a warm atmosphere for yourself and to enjoy the good things in life. While this notion can be practiced all year round, it is often helpful during the cold, winter months when it gets dark early, and the temperature makes staying inside more the norm. So how can you practice hygge at home?
Here are a few ideas:
- Lighting candles
- Low overhead lighting
- Hot beverages
- Reading books
- Less screen time
- Fuzzy socks and blankets
- Warm baths
- Making time for activities that you enjoy
- Taking pleasure in the simple things
- Practicing gratitude
Taking things slow and celebrating the small joys in life are the hallmarks of hygge. We can achieve this however makes us feel best, and in reference to new year’s resolutions, it can be useful to spend time resting, reading, stretching, meal prepping our favorite comfort food while perhaps slowly contemplating what we’d like to accomplish when the weather breaks. If we give ourselves permission for respite when we need it most, we have a better chance of success when the time arises to start something new.
Regardless of how you choose to begin your new year, either ready to tackle a set of resolutions, or leisurely with some cozy blankets, good books, and ideas for the Spring, as long as you are true to your needs, that is all that matters.