Lets just give up on giving up

What did you pledge to give up in 2020? Alcohol, cigarettes, chocolate, meat, coffee, bread or that job you hate so much?

Or maybe your NY resolution is to lose weight, get fit, get ripped, meditate, practise yoga every day?

Sorry, but most resolutions won’t make it till the end of January. Less than 10% of us stick to the goals we set ourselves at the beginning of the year, for the rest of us we give up on giving up within a few weeks.

The tradition of making New Year’s resolutions began during the reign of Caesar. In 153 B.C., the Roman Senate declared that the new year would begin January 1 instead of March. But it wasn’t until Julius Caesar took the throne in 49 B.C. that the calendar was adjusted so that January falls where it does today. To accomplish this, Caesar let the previous year continue for 445 days. Caesar declared January 1st as the first day of the year to honour the God of new beginnings Janus.

At the time, New Year’s resolutions were of a moral nature, such as being kind to others. Which is nice, being kind costs nothing and will make you feel a whole lot better about yourself.

Setting goals for yourself should be achievable. We all want to be fitter, healthier and happier. As well as eating less and moving more, there are some really basic things we can do that are free and really help towards our general well-being; like getting some fresh air every day, going for walks and getting back to nature, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep.

Drinking less alcohol and eating less meat will help lessen the risk of heart disease and cancer. Giving up smoking will allow you to live longer. And of course eating fruit and vegetables will keep you healthy from the inside as well as provide you with the vitamins your body needs.

Although high in fat, nuts are so good for you, nutritious and healthy and full of magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. Fatty fish is high in protein and loaded with Omega 3. It also lowers risk of heart disease, dementia and depression.

And contrary to belief, coffee is actually good for you. It can reduce risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson disease and Alzheimer’s. 4 cups a day is enough though.

Any exercise is good for you, walking or cardio plus lifting weights or resistance training. Yoga of course is an incredible way of improving your flexibility, mobility and core strength. Group exercise classes and working out with others helps to keep you motivated. A personal trainer can help you achieve your goals and having someone to train with makes exercise a lot more fun. Whatever activity you choose, set yourself a realistic goal of maybe 2 to 3 times a week.

You also don’t have to give up the things you enjoy, maybe just don’t do them as often. Taking care of yourself is important, our souls are only blessed with one body for each life that we live, so please take care of yours.

Namaste