Don’t Worry – Be Happy

Start the year of right by looking after yourself. We have some great ideas for ways to stay happy and healthy this January.

After the busy rush of December, typically, January is a time for starting afresh, getting fit for summer and making, somewhat, unreachable resolutions. However, 2020 has been a year of uncertainty, fear and sadness for most and we want you to start the new year in the best way possible.

If you look at the year of 2020, most people might prefer to disregard it and forget it ever happened, however, if we reflect on all that we have learnt this year, we might realise that this year has been a very important one. Black Lives Matter protests, Elections, Climate change and a deadly virus that made the whole world stop, yet, whilst we stopped, the canal’s started to clear up, pollution levels dropped over China, the world came together to clap for the NHS or to sing from their balconies, and I believe everybody became just that little bit more grateful for the important things in life.

So with that in mind, instead of beating yourself up to get that summer Instagram body, let’s just look after ourselves and our wellbeing this month.
We have gathered together some inspirational self-care tips to help you relax and ease yourself into the New Year.

After New Year’s Eve, we are left with no plans in the diary – Just a dry January. We emerge out from the magical fantasy that is Christmas, the fairy lights come down and everything starts to look a little bleak. Starting a routine as soon as you go back to work can be exhausting on the body and mind, so try to start slow and plan a ‘To-Do’ list. Nothing too strenuous but easy to stick to. Gradually add more challenging tasks to your list and you’ll be back to your regular routine in no time.

When the temperature plummets in January – it’s all too easy to stay in bed-wrapped up in a blanket burrito, however, getting outside for some fresh air is a natural way to help heal your mind and body. We are lucky to have a wide selection of walks on our doorstep, from the South West Coast Path to Dartmoor.

A furry friend always makes the day better, so an early morning Dog walk can start off your morning right. If you don’t own a dog, there are many different websites you can borrow a dog for a walk. This helps the owner out if they are busy as well as giving you the joy of walking a dog.

Having little or no plans can be a great thing. You can finally finish that book you’ve been meaning to read or start a hobby you’ve always wanted to try and you can always make plans to look forward to. The news is becoming more and more positive every day which means we might be able to have a summer to look forward to this year. With most companies wanting your holiday requests sent in by February, now is a great time to plan your summer getaway!

A house plant creates a lovely splash of greenery to your home and they also give you a feeling of self-worth as you become a plant parent. Different plants like different environments so even if you have little natural sunlight in your room, that doesn’t mean you can’t be a good plant parent!

Light a candle, run the bath, sprinkle some bath salts or add your new favourite bath bomb and truly relax. Taking a moment to have ‘me-time’ is really important in this fast-paced world as it allows you to stop and take in your surroundings. The steamy bathtub, lavender candle and maybe even a cold glass of wine when the kids have gone to bed might be just what are needed to reset the body and mind.

Getting in some form of exercise every day will make a positive start to your New Year. Exercises like yoga and meditation won’t feel like a challenge yet they both have brilliant effects on your health in the long and short run. Completing yoga or meditation exercises is proven to boost your energy levels, relieve anxiety, make you more flexible and help you to avoid injury. There are many ways you can practice yoga and meditation – Palm Tree Yoga offers relaxing yoga sessions in all areas of Plymouth; they even do SUP yoga in the warmer months! Sophie caters to all different levels of ability and makes them fun and easy to follow for everyone.

Cycling has become increasingly more popular during the two lockdowns so why stop now? Plymouth has some brilliant cycle tracks for all sorts of different abilities. Follow the cycle trail up to Saltram House for a relatively easy bike ride. If you need that extra boost to tackle those steep hills, Puffing Billy Cycles are specialists in electric bikes. All varying in prices, they have a wide range to choose from.

Gyms are notoriously popular this time of year because we all get that ‘New Year, New Me’ feeling. This feeling is fantastic for motivation, however, the percentage of people joining gyms in January and then quitting three months later is 90%. Easing yourself into these exercises is key, and focusing on the body and the mind is far more effective than looking at an Instagram influencer and thinking ‘I want their body’. Going to the gym is part of a healthy lifestyle and helps keep your mind and body active. We should be encouraged to go and get fit, but just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

We hope that these ideas will help you put light into January and start your year off in the best way possible. As we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel regarding covid-19, things are looking up for 2021. So start it off right and look after yourself.