The tree is
looking bare, the mince pies have almost all been eaten, and the January blues
are starting to creep upon us already. But never fear SHUStyle are here to help
you with realistic resolutions to brighten up your New Year! Records show that
last year, only 8% of people achieved their resolutions all year round. 64%
manage to maintain their resolutions past their first month, but that drops to
a disappointing 26% past the six month hurdle. So from this, we can see
resolutions are either unachievable, or hard to maintain for the year!
That's why
we're here to help you turn those common breakable resolutions, into realistic
ones. Here is a list of the five most common resolutions made on New Year's
Day, and how to avoid them failing.
1.
Dieting.
As we are
aware, this resolution is regularly made. Many people begin the New Year with
promises of smaller waistbands and trimmed thighs, to end in disaster at the
end of January and saying 'Well, there's always next year'. There is a reason
why these resolutions are broken: the major problem with this is that people
take it too far, forcing themselves on restricted diets that are impossible to
keep. However, cutting out something specific, like one brand of chocolate, or
a type of sweet for a whole year (possibly ones that has the most calories in)
would help you a lot, especially if you snack on them regularly!
For
example, a Bounty, despite it being largely made of coconut, actually
has more calories in it than a Mars Bar, containing 270 calories and 13g
of fat. However, Milky Bar and Milky Way are two of the least
fattening chocolates you can eat. They both contain almost half as much fat as
any other chocolate bar, and both have low calorie ratings (Milky Bar: 137
calories, Milky Way: 98 calories). Another one to watch out for though
is the controversial Yorkie bar. The sign 'not for girls' should be
taken literally, as each bar contains 367 calories and 21.5g of fat! So steer
clear of Bounty's and Yorkie's and stick to what is best for you
this New Year. You cannot be expected to cut out all chocolate, or all sweets
for a whole year. It just cannot be done!
2.
Drinking less.
Let's be
honest, this resolution never lasts long. Many of us say we are going to stop
drinking, until the next party invitation comes along to which we answer with
rushing to the nearest shop to buy a bottle of wine! Instead, however, there is
a much simpler resolution that we can suggest: start drinking more water. This will
help you to cleanse your body from all those Christmas nights out! And water
from the tap is free, so there is no excuse. Water also can help control
calories, reducing your amount if you choose water over a high calorific drink.
So instead of reaching for the coke can, just go to the sink instead!
If, like
some people, you do not like the taste of tap water, one of my best purchases I
have bought is a water filter. This cleanses tap water to have a fresher taste!
Drinking water also helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids, helps energize
muscles and keeps your skin healthy. I think it is safe to say our body and
skin will need an extra TLC after the Christmas period, so water is the best
way to do it!
3.
Learn/try something new.
Now, this
is a common resolution, and also commonly broken. But with our help to narrow
it down, hopefully it can be achievable! Immediately, people think of languages
or hobbies to try when learning something new. But it doesn't have to be so
time consuming. It could be just as simple as learning how to cook a new recipe,
as this is simple, easy to do and will last all year round! Realistically, it
takes time to learn a language, or learn how to play an instrument, and forcing
yourself to do it with the constraints of a New Year's resolution is just going
to make you break it! Start learning these things when you have the time. For
now, concentrate on the simpler ideas, such as trying food you never have
before, putting yourself out of your comfort zone (for example, going to a
one-off zumba class) or even just trying harder with your university work!
Don't push yourself too hard with this resolution, just do what you can afford
to with your time.
4. Volunteer.
Volunteering
is a selfless act helping others in a less fortunate state than you, so based
on that knowledge, it is clear why this is a frequent resolution made at New
Year's. We can also assume this is often prompted by the lovely festivities of
the Christmas period that we have just had, and thinking of those less fortunate.
As heart-warming as that sentiment is, it is also quite unrealistic due to time
consumption and planning. If we had the time, I'm sure most people would try to
fit in some time to volunteering, whether it caring for animals, volunteering
at schools in Africa, or helping at a homeless centre/local charity. But even
the most compassionate of us can fall back on our commitments, so many of these
resolutions do not pay off. Therefore, we at SHUStyle, think this resolution
should be changed to 'helping others'.
This can be
as vague or as broad as you make it. This could be merely helping the elderly
cross the road, or with their shopping, or helping a friend with advice. Making
your resolution to becoming more helpful is an attractive trait and can benefit
many people, including yourself! Don't try and commit yourself to volunteering
for something too large scale. Once again, do it when you have the time.
5. Saving
For
students especially, spending too much money and being constantly poor is a
continual issue in University life. Many people make resolutions to save money,
and it often fails at the first hurdle. However, if you really are keen to save
your money, then the best way we can think of is to invest in a money jar!
Let's be honest, you're not going to want to cut down the amount of socializing
you do, but adding spare change or a few pounds into a money jar a week can
help more than you think! Make sure the jar is sealed though… If it can open,
or be easily broken into, I'm sure if we were desperate enough, we would find a
way! But think of that money as your allowance: with it, you could save up for
a holiday, a new bag or even a really nice meal. Just something you wouldn't be
able to afford if you hadn't got the money jar!
So there are
my five my common resolutions, and how to make them much more achievable! Hope
they help.
Katie x
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