It feels like the last year has both flown by and crawled at the same time. So many of us have had our lives turned upside down by the pandemic and as a result, are looking at the world in a slightly different way.
Christmas was different for us all, as was New Year’s Eve, but one thing that we can still do is make a few resolutions that will (hopefully) make our lives and the lives of those around us that little bit better.
Normally, I stick to something that I know will make a difference, but after such a mental year, I have decided to make more resolutions than normal...mostly because the change in life pace has opened my eyes up to a few things.
Making greener choices
I try to be conscious of the effect I am having on the environment in a lot of ways, but there is always a bit more you can be doing. For me, cutting down on red meat and changing things like energy suppliers to a greener provider are going to be the first steps. It’s so easy to just plod along and not make little changes to your life, I’m awful for not looking at the bigger picture. Although I feel really informed, I think I need to make even more effort to ensure I’m doing my bit to ensure the sustainability of the planet...not so much for me, but for the kids and the kids’ kids. I’m not going full hippy, I’m just upping my level when it comes to actively making greener choices.
Taking a bit of time to do some stuff
Downtime is something that I can’t really do. I have the opportunity, but I seldom take the time to do nothing. Even when I’m reading, I’m reading at a stressfully fast pace, it’s like I’m always on to the next thing. What I’m going to make sure I start doing is some stuff - stuff that isn’t working or researching or learning. Stuff that gives my mind a break...I’m not 100% sure what the stuff is going to be yet, but I’m determined to find something that lets me totally switch off for a bit.
Being more present at home
I love spending time with the family (obviously) but I am guilty of getting distracted at times, especially when everything is going to plan. As a parent, it’s weird, you kind of switch off when things are going as they should. I mean, when the kids are playing, you go off and sort something else which turns into something else etc. etc. What I’m going to try to do more is be aware of what’s happening, even when it’s all going to plan. Just watching them play is something I know I’m going to miss when they grow up so I’m going to try to make the most of it.
Similarly, when it comes to work, I’m going to make sure I switch off completely when I’m not on calls or when I get back from the day (if I’ve been out). I have been so good at it in the past, but the last year has made it so much easier to be constantly on-call and available...I’m not sure why but although there have been tonnes of advantages, one of the disadvantages for me has been differentiating between work and home.
Finding a balance with exercise
I love exercising and I hate it at the same time. I love getting into it, but I hate that if I have a set back, I can quickly drop out. I’m going to eat with awareness and make sure I do at least something 3 times a week. It’s hard to actually work out in the ways I normally do due to pandemic so I’ll make sure I improvise and make it so that I don’t have any excuse to not!
It’s been a funny year and no matter what the next one brings, I’m determined to make the most of it!
