IT’S THAT TIME of year again, when we as people desperately seek atonement through promises made after too many mince pies and glasses of Baileys. (Although, is there such thing as “too much” when it comes to either?)
Personally, I’ve never been that good when it comes to New Year’s Resolutions. In my lifetime, I’ve kept one, and that was completing a half marathon. A fairly sizeable resolution, you’d have to admit, and one that I rarely forget to bring up in conversation.
In order to keep it, I needed to get specific. This year, I’m starting a bit more vaguely. I would like to start volunteering, in some capacity. Doing what or where, I haven’t worked out yet. A bit of research post-Christmas though, and I should be fine.
Are New Year’s resolutions even a thing though? Can’t we strive to be better at any time of the year?
Well, yes, obviously, but a fresh start is as good as any. From asking, it’s very obvious that resolutions aren’t interpreted as being punishments or abject gruelling tasks.
In fact, a common theme cropped up when I posed the question on Twitter, and that was one of education. Many people want to use 2019 as an opportunity to learn something new.
Loads of people want to learn how to drive. For myself and I’m A Celeb runner up Emily Atak, we wouldn’t mind simply passing the test in the new year. (Emily has done hers five times, I have done mine [redacted] times. At least I’m keeping the RSA in business.)
Makeup artist Laoise McGinn told DailyEdge.ie she wants to take the time to learn and use more Irish. Got to maintain that Irish pride and cupla focal where we can! (If you’re looking for a class yourself, check out Gael Linn or Conradh Na Gaeilge.)
Bend and snap
Elsewhere, yoga was frequently mentioned by respondents, either wanting to get back into it or taking it up from scratch.
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Time and again, when I decide I want to perfect my downward dog for the 800th time, I head to Yoga By Adrienne on YouTube. If you can think of it, she’s made a routine for it. Trust me on this.
Video not playing? Click here.
If you’re looking to jump back in, but are a bit cash-strapped, Shona Vertue has a few more advanced routines on her channel and as part of her fitness programme, The Vertue Method.
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It is that easy bein’ green
Commitments to sustainability for 2019 didn’t come up as much as I expected them to, though a few users on Instagram said they would eat less meat and remember to bring reusable shopping bags for “the messages”.
Another person is committing to wasting less food. In 2019, make a commitment to cook just enough for yourself, and use up what you have before buying more.
“If you can’t love yourself …”
On Insta, the replies were equally as varied, but with many more self-serving, abstract resolutions floated. “How can I make this year better for me, as a person?”
Our vices have long been defined as the ones we consume, but what if they’ve been in us all along? One user said she wanted to start standing up for herself; another, to start saying ‘no’ to people. One man responded saying he wanted to become more wary of the feelings of others, and show more love.
See? It doesn’t have to be blood, sweat and tears. Just hug your mates and tell them they’re deadly more often. You’ll reap the benefits of it.
So, what are you planning to give up or take on for 2019?
