It’s New Year’s Resolutions Time!

It’s that time of year…again!

The gyms are packed, the planners are fresh, and everyone is convinced that this is the year they’ll become a whole new person.

But let’s be honest, for most of us, by February, our resolutions have slipped away faster than we can say, “I’ll start on Monday.”

Here’s a fun look at why resolutions are so hard to stick to and why sometimes that’s totally okay.

1. The optimism is real – but so is the reality

At the start of the year, our optimism is unstoppable.

We’re determined to crush every goal from eating only kale to becoming an expert meditator at home or at work. But once the shine of the new year fades, so does our enthusiasm.

Studies show that nearly 80% of people abandon their resolutions by February! So, if you find yourself drifting from your goals, know that you’re in good company.

2. Why “all-or-nothing” doesn’t typically work

We often set super-strict goals for the new year, thinking we’ll magically transform into disciplined, superhuman versions of ourselves.

But the “all-or-nothing” mindset tends to backfire. One skipped workout or cheat meal can make us feel like we’ve failed, leading us to give up entirely.

Instead of committing to perfection, it’s okay to aim for progress and let yourself be human.

3. Life gets in the way, and that’s just fine

Resolutions are often created in an idealised world, where we’re not swamped with work deadlines, family obligations, or unexpected Netflix series that demand binge-watching.

Life will throw curveballs, and those “perfect” routines can be hard to follow. So, if life throws a wrench in your plans, give yourself permission to adjust – flexibility and adaptability is the real secret to long-term change.

4. Most of us love “instant gratification”

Long-term goals are exciting, and it feels great at the time when making them, but they don’t give us the quick dopamine hits we crave.

It’s much easier to enjoy a bowl of ice cream right now than to imagine finally completing that marathon in nine months – phew.

For a lot of us, focusing on small, immediate wins – like watching one less episode on a weeknight – can work better than huge, year-long resolutions.

5. Laugh it off, don’t stress it out!

Breaking resolutions isn’t a tragedy; it’s a classic part of the resolution making tradition!

Instead of feeling guilty or defeated, have a laugh and reflect on the why behind your goal.

Did you really want to hit the gym six days a week, or did it just sound like the “right” thing to do? If a resolution doesn’t bring you joy or feel meaningful, it’s okay to let it go (or turn it into something more manageable).

So that was fun – but here’s the secret: resolutions can be flexible

Here’s a radical idea – your New Year’s resolutions can change and if you allow yourself flexibility/adjustment you might actually achieve some!

Goals evolve, and so do we. If you set an ambitious resolution, feel free to adjust – it is after all, your resolution not anybody else’s.

Don’t want to make any New Year’s resolutions at all? That’s totally valid, too! The new year is just a calendar change, not a deadline. Consider another start date for any new goals.

So, whether you’re an “all-in” kind of person on your resolutions or embracing a “see what happens” approach, make 2025 a year that’s fun, flexible, and forgiving.

Cheers to that!

Are you completely absorbed by or overwhelmed by the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media updates? Does your device constantly ping letting you know that something or someone is trying to get your attention?

Have you had family and friends tell you that you’re not present even when in the same room?

If you answered yes to those questions, this article might be for you.

It’s common knowledge that excessive screen time can potentially, negatively impact our ability to communicate with others, our relationships and our mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

A digital detox can be a great way to take a break from technology and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Before you start perspiring and hyperventilating at the thought, here are some strategies that might help you reduce screen time, improving the quality of your communication with others and improve your mental health.

Try adapting mindfulness when it comes to tech use

Notification control
Turn off unnecessary notifications to minimise distractions.

Do you really need to know at all times about absolutely everything that is coming into your email, messages and social media apps?

Focus Mode

Use your device’s focus mode to block distracting apps and websites.

Who doesn’t love a little retreat?

Make it a digital detox retreat…

Weekend getaways

• Plan a weekend trip to a place with limited or no internet access – scary but you can do!

Tech-free days

• Dedicate specific days while away to unplug completely.

Engage in off-line activities

Simple things can bring a fresh perspective that you may not get with your head bent down looking at a device screen.  Try these and if you find you’re not making the time to do them spontaneously, schedule them into your day/week.

Hobbies
Rediscover old hobbies or pick up new ones.

Socialise

Spend quality time with friends and family – talk or don’t talk but be together without looking down at a device, it’s good for the soul.

Outdoor Activities
Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride.

Read a Book
Immerse yourself in a good book – it’s probably been a while.

Practice Mindfulness
Meditate or practice yoga to reduce stress and improve focus.

Create a calming bedtime routine

Screen-free bedroom (easier said than done!)
Bit tricky when you use your device as your wake-up alarm so, make a commitment to yourself (just as you do to others about deliverables at work or partners/children at home) – minimise electronic devices in the bedroom to an alarm only – try it!

Engage in relaxing activities
Engage in calming activities like reading or taking a warm shower before bed.

Try & set a consistent sleep schedule
Also easier said than done, however, experts do say that a consistent sleep schedule does wonders for physical and mental wellbeing.

Try going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each day.

Being present physically and emotionally is super important for our overall well-being and can be important for those around us as well.

A digital detox is not about completely eliminating technology from your life, it’s about finding a healthy balance and prioritising your mental health and well-being.

You can do it!