When coming into the New Year it holds a great excuse to make a positive change in your life. I think everyone, no matter what age, are still trying to discover themselves and find out what’s right for them in life.

Being able to let go of the negatives is a hard skill to achieve but creates an extremely positive impact on your outlook of the whole year. Introducing healthy habits and ensuring you are safe guarding your mental health, while making the best memories with your loved ones is something we can all try our best to do without putting pressure on ourselves.

Healthy habits:
This involves introducing small changes into your life that are not overwhelming. This is entirely in your control so don’t expect too much from yourself. It is best to keep the list short and concise so that all goals can be met. A good exercise is to brainstorm the little things you want to achieve and start with the most realistic one and go from there. Allowing yourself to make these changes takes a lot of strength and you will feel so much better once they are completed. For example these healthy habits could be to stay moving daily like going for a twenty minute walk or doing a small yoga/gym session. Another one could be eating healthier than usual. Having clean foods that make you feel good but not forgetting that a treat every once in a while is okay too. Starting a list of different things you want to achieve can also increase your knowledge on what you are actually interested in.

Hobbies:
Taking up a new hobby can be a perfect way to discover your talents and what you actually find fun. It’s good to have balance when it comes to your routine and introducing this can really help productivity and fulfilment. New hobbies to try could include starting to knit/crochet, painting or being more active like running. Ensure that whatever you choose is realistic to your everyday life.

Visualise your goals:
Just thinking about a healthy habit or goal isn’t enough to achieve it. There is more to reaching a goal than just vocalising it. Write down a goal that means a lot to you. By writing it down it can increase your motivation which increases the likelihood of achieving it. Studies have shown that you are 42% more likely to finish a goal when writing it. Keep it somewhere you’ll often see it like in your note on your phone or on your phones wallpaper. If you tend to be more motivated by pictures, then a vision board might also help motivation and consistency.

I want to keep in mind that 2021 wasn’t the best year for some and that is okay. Minding yourself and expressing your feelings is so important and should happen more often. Talk to someone if you feel down and try introduce healthy things that make you genuinely happy and fulfilled. Improve on your personal relationships and be there for yourself.

Related News

ballyea book 08-11-25 tony kelly 1
Bringing honour to the name of Ballyea
kilnamona n85 1-2
Condition of N85 & failure to progress realignment project 'not acceptable'
cathal crowe angela coll john wall maurice quinlivan donna mcgettigan joe cooney 1-2
Mid-West Oireachtas members take united stance following HIQA review
martin mary mcaleese brian mcenery catherine connolly michael d sabina higgins mary nicholas robinson 1
Clare councillors send congratulations to President Connolly & Áras' new resident McEnery of Ennis
Latest News
clooney:quin vs broadford:bodyke 11-10-25 ciara grogan 1
Clooney/Quin qualify for Munster final
martin mary mcaleese brian mcenery catherine connolly michael d sabina higgins mary nicholas robinson 1
Clare councillors send congratulations to President Connolly & Áras' new resident McEnery of Ennis
Clarinbridge1-2
Clarinbridge claims success at Pride of Place awards
clare jerseys
All-Ireland winning Clare hurler in the frame for Head of Operations role
banner plaza 10-11-25 1
Waste disposal to cost Supermac's €2k per week at Banner Plaza over environmental legal challenge
Premium
All-Ireland winning Clare hurler in the frame for Head of Operations role
Waste disposal to cost Supermac's €2k per week at Banner Plaza over environmental legal challenge
Éire Óg footballers want to 'take next step' in Munster
Proposal to change Clare SHC format fails
Sweet sixteen from McInerney keeps Munster dream alive for Éire Óg

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.