Six Steps To Help You Start 2016 The Right Way!
January is one of the hardest months to try and keep yourself motivated, I mean how hard has this week been?! I really struggle with the so called ‘January blues’, but to keep myself motivated I’ve written down a few simple steps on how to ease into the year with a positive outlook. I don’t really do resolutions but instead I set myself up with goals… Here are my ultimate six…
1. Out with the old – In with the new
I always find a good clear out gives me head space and gets me ready to tackle anything that comes my way. Usually I like to tidy my desk, throw out all bits of paper that I’ve accumulated over the months. My office space actually needs a good makeover so January is the right time to go about it. It’s also an excuse to buy new stationary – I’m a sucker for pretty diaries and notepads. I love this black & white notepad from Kate spade which now sits prettily on my desk.
2. Be healthier + Fitter
Ok so I’m not saying to turn into a gym fanatic over night, on the contrary, just simply start making a few changes into your lifestyle. Go for longer walks, eat healthier, take up a new class and try something different. Set realistic goals, no point promising to yourself that you’ll head to the gym 5 times a week when you’ve never been a gym person to start with. Instead it’s all about incorporating small changes and making them a priority. For example try and perhaps get off a tube/bus stop before and walk to work/meetings. I literally walk everywhere and have found that it really makes such a difference. On a superficial note, I do find buying new gym gear always a good motivation. I wrote a recent post sharing some fab sale buys which you can read here.
Blue Life Fit top available from Cope Active
3. Travel
I am extremely lucky that this job lets me travel very often. I love exploring new places, meeting new people and just snapping away on my beloved camera. Try and definitely make it a priority to visit at least one new place each year. It’s the perfect excuse to switch off and enjoy some time off. New surroundings are always good to clear the head and appreciate those little things in life.
4. Start a new hobby
Why not try a new sport? Take up a new hobby like photography, painting or be creative in the kitchen and try some new recipes. This year I want to go back to my roots and start drawing and painting more. I haven’t painted since I was Art College, (a VERY long time ago!). I’ve promised myself to sketch more on a regular basis.
5. Make time for yourself
This is very similar to the above tip. As starting a new hobby is also making time for yourself. But how about making it a priority to try and totally unwind at the end of the evening?! It’s easy to get sucked into the stress of work and before you know it, you’re still on your phone or laptop after dinner. For me this is very often the case especially with deadlines, and when working for yourself procrastinating becomes a regular habit, therefore you’ll find me working till very late. Well new year, new beginnings right? So this year I want to really push myself to stop working and using my phone after 10pm. I know it is still late but I do regularly post on Instagram between 9-10pm so it would be impossible to totally shut down before. But when I do I really do and make sure to relax with a nice book or just watching TV with my OH. I’m a sucker for good TV series so any recommendations would be greatly appreciated as I’m desperately waiting for Game Of Thrones to start 😉
6. Be grateful & Be Happy
It’s easy to take things for granted and not realise how lucky we are. It’s the small things that we just see as normal. But sometimes we really need to sit back and weigh all the pros on our side. Surround yourself with positive people, loved ones and generally people that inspire you. I simply have no time for negative people! Life is short so lets be thankful and happy and take time to really enjoy the little things that count.
Miss Bag
8th January 2016 at 12:06 pmAmazing
Angelina
9th January 2016 at 10:30 amGreat advice! Be fresh, be positive, keep moving, be new, be you, be thankful and smile. Keep smiling.
Geraldine
9th January 2016 at 8:06 pmLovely advice Ari. I should try to pick 1 or 2 and stick to it. I’m a Game of Thrones fan too. Happy 2016. x
Carole
11th January 2016 at 11:04 amGood tips hun. I’ve booked the holiday – just wish my shelves were as tidy as yours 🙂 x