6 New Year’s Resolutions Everyone Can Make

I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. The beginning of the year is often a time for reflection; where we look at past goals and set ourselves new ones for the year ahead. While this can, of course, be a positive exercise for some, I also don’t want to overlook the fact that this time of the year can be difficult for many.

When you are chronically ill– particularly if you have been for many years– it can be hard to think about the coming year. I, therefore, want to share some resolutions with you that I feel are appropriate and helpful for everyone, no matter your stage of illness.

Here are 6 New Year’s resolutions that I hope will help you to make the most of the coming year:

1. Find something good in each day

Practising gratitude is a powerful process. Not only does it shift your brain into a more positive mindset, but it also helps you to appreciate the smaller things in life. Being grateful for what you already have, instead of wishing for the things that you don’t, ultimately leads to increased happiness.

Take the time each day to think about the good things that have happened, no matter how small they might be or difficult they are to appreciate. If you make this a habit, over time you will find that you don’t have to look so hard.

2. Stop trying too hard

When we try too hard we often create stress and anxiety that we aren’t always aware of. When you are so desperate for something to happen you can put a lot of pressure on yourself. With regards to health goals, we often make things really difficult for ourselves; we over plan and over think.

I have learned more recently that it’s when you relax, take things as they come, do only what you can and trust in the process that the best progress is made. An unpressured approach is definitely best when it comes to fibromyalgia and ME/CFS.

3. Make choices each day that help you to feel as well as possible

Related to the above, simply make a conscious effort to ask yourself what you need to do each day to help yourself feel as well as possible. If you feel like you need to rest, be sure to rest. If you feel like moving, do some gentle exercise.

Bring your awareness towards your body and how you are feeling rather than getting caught up in doing what you think you should be doing. Remember to check in with yourself throughout the day so that you don’t over-do things and become overwhelmed.

4. Remind yourself that you are good enough

Never allow anyone (yourself included) to put you down or make you feel less than you are. Minimise time spent with toxic people or consider cutting ties altogether. Take time each day to focus on your positive qualities and remind yourself that you are more than good enough.

5. Focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t

Instead of giving yourself a hard time over the things you think you should be doing, focus on what you can do. Remind yourself of all the things that you have achieved each day– no matter how small. Remember that it is these small achievements that create change and lead to better things in the long-term. You are doing your best, always remember that.

6. Remember to live in the moment

Try not to get caught up in longing for the past or worrying about the future. All this does is create upset and unnecessary stress that we simply do not need. Try to live each day mindfully and appreciate the present moment– what you have and more importantly who you have in your life.

What do you think? Are these resolutions that you would consider making or is there anything else you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.