The beginning of a new year brings an opportunity to stop and reflect. Reflect on where you are and where you want to be by this time next year. It’s an opportunity to reset and ensure your path is aligned in a direction that will bring the best things possible.
Around 69 per cent of us intend to make at least one New Year’s resolution (mainly health related), yet by the second week of February we’ll be back to our old ways.
Even if you start 2020 with the best of intentions, around 25 per cent of us will revert back to our bad habits. However, there’s a secret to ensuring we actually manifest the things we set our minds to at the beginning of the year.
Here’s how.
A study by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire in the UK found the key to keeping your resolutions varies according to your gender. For men, setting specific goals, such as “lose five kilograms by April”, rather than just “lose weight”, is best.
For women? They should share their resolutions for the coming year with others, as, “women benefit from the social support provided by friends and family”.
At Eden, we’re all about healthy, balanced living. By surrounding yourself with a community of like minded people, discover how powerful a sense of connection and support can be to get motivated and create healthy habits.
The start of 2020 brings an opportunity to prioritise new goals, reset and restore. Here’s what we suggest to ensure your year is your best ever:
- Create Healthy Habits
Taking care of yourself is a priority. Find the space and time to do the things you love to do. Make exercise something you enjoy doing, and then do it every day, just like showering or eating breakfast. By incorporating your workout into your to-do list it’ll quickly become something you do without even thinking.
- Try new activities
While some people love yoga, others prefer weights and vice versa. Try not to compare yourself, your ability, weight, or hobbies to others. Instead, focus on what makes you happy, and suits your lifestyle, budget and fitness ability.
- Be patient
It can take up to six weeks for your body to feel comfortable with a new exercise, so stick at it. If you’re finding your new exercise regime too tough, aim for 30 minutes of fitness a day, rather than one hour. Eden’s Personal Trainer, Cain, suggests that if 30 minutes of exercise at a time seems too much, then break it up into accumulated minutes, even if it’s just five minutes at a time. Research shows that short bursts of exercise are just as beneficial to your body as longer, more traditional workouts.
- Halve your goal
Instead of saying you’ll exercise every day, make a commitment for three times a week. This way you’ll have a sense of achievement rather than failure.
- Seek advice
In a study at Canada’s McMaster University, those who were new to an exercise activity performed better when their goals were set by a professional. At Eden, we set out to kick start your journey with you. You have access to professionals who can get you on the right track.
- Set realistic resolutions
Instead of aiming to lose 10 kilos, focus on reaching milestones. Aim to lose 2 kilos in 30 days and reward yourself with a massage or a new pair of running shoes.
- Start the day right
Jos, Eden’s head chef suggests that by starting the day with a healthy breakfast choice you’ll be less likely to crave sugary and processed foods. Try breaking your fast with a healthy, balanced meal like this one.
Scrambled Tofu with Seasonal Vegetables and Hemp Seeds
Eden’s daily program is designed to provide you with a solid foundation to start your health and wellness journey. You will start each day with energy and vibrancy, while afternoons are devoted to relaxation, education and time to yourself. You are free to choose the experience that suits you.
Let’s make 2020 the year of you!
