The beginning of a new year often sparks the desire for positive change. Every new year feels like a fresh start, a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go. This year, I’m continuing on my journey to becoming a more holistic, healthy, well-rounded version of myself.
But the tradition of making “New Year’s resolutions” can feel limiting. The word “resolution” smacks of intense effort and can suggest that something is wrong or needs fixing. If we find ourselves behind with our resolutions in January or February, it can make us feel defeated. Do you need additional reasons to feel unnecessary pressure and guilt? I know I don’t. But what if I change my mindset around resolutions? In fact, what if I don’t resolve to do anything? What if I just intend to?
Intentions vs. Resolutions
Intentions feel more open and empowering, more flexible and adaptable. Instead of setting strict resolutions, I am setting a direction. If something isn’t working for me, I can change direction without feeling like I’m failing. It’s a subtle shift in perspective, but an impactful one. Intentions are about directing my energy towards who I want to be. This attitude is about growth, exploration, and embracing the journey rather than focusing on a specific outcome. With this mindset, I’m approaching the new year with a focus on intentions for a healthier, more balanced life.
The Wisdom of Seasons: Embracing Natural Rhythm
While the new year feels like the time for fresh starts, I believe it’s important to consider the natural rhythms of life. We often think about setting resolutions or goals at the beginning of the calendar year, but here in the Northern Hemisphere, January coincides with the coldest, darkest part of the year — a time of hibernation, rest, and introspection. While the world around us is blanketed in an energy of slumber, we often pressure ourselves to make big changes and take action. January, with its long hours of dimly lit dreaming, may be a great time for planning, but we might do better not leaping into action right away. It could be that the disconnect of action-taking at a time when the natural world burrows down for rest is contributing to the struggle some have with sticking to New Year’s resolutions.
Going forward, I plan to honor this period of rest and reflection. Then, as spring (the season of renewal, awakening, and the natural surge of energy that I know I always feel and react to) arrives, I can use that momentum to take action. I’m not saying I will ignore my goals completely until spring, but perhaps I can start slower and be gentler with myself in the winter months, focusing on planning and setting intentions. This way, I am flowing with the natural rhythms of the seasons, not against them!
With this awareness in mind, I’m setting my intentions for the new year, knowing that some will be best served by the quiet incubation of winter, while others will blossom with the energy of spring. Here’s some of what I’m focusing on:
Embracing Wholeness: My Goals for a Healthier Year
Daily Journaling: This is something I get into off and on, but I would like to be more consistent. This introspective practice can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, stress management, and goal setting. By dedicating a few minutes each day to journaling, I might be able to better process difficult emotions, improve mental clarity, cultivate gratitude, and stimulate creativity. Journaling also provides a safe space to express thoughts and emotions without judgment. All of these benefits could lead to an improvement in overall mental health.
Nutrition: I plan to increase my intake of clean protein, vegetables, and fruits. Fruits are a powerhouse of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients are vital for keeping your body healthy, boosting your immune system, and lowering your risk for chronic diseases. Increasing your fruit intake can improve digestion, increase energy levels, and contribute to healthy skin and hair. The natural sweetness of fruits can also help curb cravings for processed sugar and unhealthy snacks. I used to eat fruit all the time, but somewhere along the way, it’s like I forgot fruit existed.
Hydration: Water is vital for every bodily function, from regulating temperature and transporting nutrients to flushing out toxins and supporting organ function. Staying adequately hydrated can improve energy levels, cognitive function, mood, and even physical performance. It also helps prevent headaches, constipation, and kidney stones. Drinking enough water each day might help me feel more energized, improve my digestion, and improve the appearance and health of my skin. I used to be great about drinking lots of water. I had this blue 32-ounce jar with a handle and a lid and a straw that I loved. Then one day, my jar got cracked and had to be thrown away. I tried other cups and bottles, but they just weren’t the same. Well, just today I found a new clear 32-ounce jar with a handle, a lid, and a straw. Now if I can just keep from dropping it on the hard floor…
Regular Dry Brushing: I have been dry brushing for a while now, but I would like to do it more consistently. This simple practice, involving brushing your skin with a natural bristle brush, offers benefits like stimulating the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in immune function and detoxification, improving circulation, reducing cellulite appearance, exfoliating dead skin cells, and contributing to smoother, healthier skin. According to several body typing systems and my own personal experience, lymph flow is something I might struggle with and need to focus on improving. Dry brushing is a great way to do that and I intend to make it more of a regular thing.
Red Light Therapy: I’m also planning to make red light therapy a more regular part of my routine. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. It can help reduce inflammation, improve skin health, increase collagen production, and promote healing. Some studies suggest red light therapy may also improve mood and cognitive function, sleep quality, and athletic performance. Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to interact with cells in the body. It’s a non-invasive therapy that can be used safely at home. I’ve seen great benefits from red light therapy and plan to use it more often. This is the red light panel I have. (I do have a 12% off code, HEALTHYWHOLESOUL12, if you’re interested in trying one.)
Quality Time: I intend to dedicate more time to connecting with friends and family. Spending quality time with loved ones is essential for emotional well-being. Strong connections with loved ones provide a sense of belonging and support, which can reduce stress and improve mental health. Sharing experiences and creating memories also contributes to overall happiness and life satisfaction. Whether it’s a meal, a game night, or a deep conversation, investing time in relationships is an investment in overall well-being. I am someone who enjoys spontaneity and organic unfolding of events, but I have come to realize that it is necessary at this point in my life to schedule quality time. While something in me rebels at structure in this area of my life, the demands on my time are just to great to expect that I (or my loved ones) will be available to spend time on the fly.
Self-Care: This is something new for me. I am a person who might get two haircuts a year at most. But this year, if at all within my financial means, I intend to schedule a purchased self-care session (massage, facial, etc.) once every couple of months. Indulging in professional treatments offers a variety of benefits (for example, massage can help relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow, and reduce stress) and can provide an opportunity to unwind and recharge, but my main reason for wanting to schedule these appointments is to signal to myself that I am safe and cared for, that I am committing to my own well-being, investing in my quality of life, and that I can trust myself.
Morning Routine: I plan to create a morning routine that sets a positive tone for my day. I am all set on a nighttime/bedtime routine, but I have always found it more difficult to do things consistently in the mornings. I believe that establishing a consistent morning routine will allow me to start my days on a more positive note and build better habits. Those with morning routines often report feeling more focused and energized, achieving daily goals more effectively, and improved overall well-being. My morning ritual might include activities like meditation and journaling, and I hope that it will help me be more productive and focused and feel more in control of my time, which is something I struggle with.
Happy New Year!
Achieving these intentions is not about being perfect; it’s about making small, positive shifts in my habits and lifestyle — and since lots of these intentions are things I already do, I feel I am setting reasonable and attainable goals in wanting to become more consistent. I’m excited to see how these changes will improve my energy, my mood, and my overall well-being.
Healthy Whole Soul 