I know, I don't have any clue how this has happened either. Honestly, I've not even recovered from 2020 so was not ready for another new year.
It genuinely seems like yesterday when I wrote a blog that said I'd write more blogs, but time flew by and I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to actually write anything for myself. Between my day job and building my freelance business, both of which I have enjoyed, I found that last year ended up being about work and other people far more than it was about looking after myself.
The result was that I ended up being very rundown by the time November started – although breaking my foot at the end of October did mean I had to slow down a bit.
This has made me really think about how I want this year to go, as I don't really want to spend it working my socks off all the time. The result is that I've actually made some serious New Year resolutions aimed at making me happier and ensuring I'm looking after myself a lot more, without unattainable goals or deadlines.
This is why I'm not sure the phrase New Year's resolutions is quite right here. Realistically, I've made more of a promise to myself to do things I've wanted to do for a while and to look after myself a lot more. However, that's a bit if a mouthful so we'll stick with "resolutions" for now.
More important than the actual resolutions I'm making is the fact that I am giving people full permission to call me out if I start to slip back into habits that have historically made me miserable. I appreciate support and the understanding that some days aren't going to be all about living my best life, but if you see me working too much, not taking time for myself and putting everyone else before myself the majority of the time, please tell me off!
So, what exactly are these resolutions that I've made for myself this year?
1. Do things that put me out of my comfort zone
Too often I find myself putting off doing something new because it scares me, makes me nervous or because I think I won't be good at it. This means that there is a lot that I haven't done even though I want to.
When you consider the fact that I travelled to New Zealand on my own at 18, this is stupid.
To get me started with this resolution, I have booked a beginner's course to start learning pole dancing. This is something I've wanted to do for AGES but have been terrified of because of my weight. I've now booked my course, bought the right clothes and will be tackling my first lesson this week.
Yes, I'm terrified and super nervous but it's non-refundable so I have to go through with it.
I'm also looking into doing a boudoir shoot later this year because I've always thought it would be cool but never felt confident enough to just go for it.
2. Make time for the things I enjoy
I'm always too busy or need to do something else so never end up sitting and reading, which has always been something I've loved to do. Similarly, I've not spent much time this year cooking, trying new recipes, swimming, trying new restaurants or just being out in the garden.
I genuinely don't think there is any point in working so much if I'm not going to make sure I also have time to do the things I always enjoy. This is why I'm aiming to cut down on the amount of freelance work I'm doing so I can take at least one Friday off a week, as well as planning some great weekend activities to do with my husband.
I'm also making sure that I stick to my working hours so I am not working well into the evenings, giving me more time to switch off and relax.
3. Rediscover old hobbies
This isn't as easy as it sounds as I can end up losing interest in something quite quickly, but I'm going to give it a good try.
My first hobby I want to get back into is candle making, which I always really enjoyed. To make it a bit different (and to get rid of some of the empty bottles I keep saving), I'm going to try bottle cutting as part of this.
While I'm only intending to do this for myself and as gifts for people, there is the possibility that I could start a mini business doing this too, which would be a nice break from all my marketing work.
4. Take my vitamins every day
When my depression gets bad or I don't make time for myself, taking my vitamins is the first thing that goes out the window. I'm hoping that by setting an alarm for every day to remind me, it will help me stick to a good routine that also allows time for other aspects of self care.
It's only a small thing, but it could lead to bigger changes, which is why it's on this list. Plus, I've bought all the vitamins and I don't want them going to waste.
5. Learn to say "no" more
I say yes to clients, colleagues, friends and family members most of the time when they ask me if I can do things. Every one of these yeses adds up and means that I can't do things for me.
While helping others is a good thing, it isn't if it means you aren't looking after yourself as a result.
I genuinely think it's healthy to say "no" when something is going to negatively impact you, as it helps you set boundaries that look after your wellbeing. I give the advice to say no a lot to people and yet I rarely take that advice myself, so this year I'm going to start.
This doesn't mean that I'm going to say no to everything but it does mean that I'm not going to drop things I had planned for myself in order to make room for other people. I'm now counting plans made for me alone as set is stone more often so I can stick to all of the above resolutions.
The big plus of this one is that I can say yes for myself a lot more, which is something I think we all need to do.