The New Year is traditionally a time to reflect on the past year, be thankful for who and what we have in our lives and consider how we might make improvements to make the coming year a better one.  New Year’s resolutions are a good way to refocus on what is important and develop a plan to help keep the stress down in the year ahead. 

New Year’s resolutions are meant to make the new  year more manageable and less stressful.  Here are a few things to consider when deciding on your resolutions:

1. Keep them realistic.   Deciding to quit smoking, go on a diet and start a running program (or whatever your resolutions are) may be too much to take on all at the same time.   While these resolutions will benefit you over the long run, trying to accomplish each of them is challenging on their own.  Set yourself up for success by tackling one resolution at a time.  Once you have mastered one of them, then you can move onto the next.  You can mark your calendar for when you want to start on the next resolution, which will give you a goal to focus on.  If you don’t meet the goal, don’t beat yourself up, just adjust your calendar, and refocus on the one resolution until you have mastered it. 

2. Take time for yourself.   Instead of making a resolution that you know deep down you don’t want to deal with at this time, why not just take a step back and think about yourself?   You’ve given a lot of your time and energy caring for others, so why not give yourself permission to take some time for yourself?  This simple and selfless action will reduce the stress in your life, and result in a happier you.   Reach out to others around you for help with the things that take up your time, join a support group or social club, reconnect with friends, or just take a regular night off and stay at home. 

3.  Exercise.  One of the best stress relievers is exercising.  It clears the mind, is an outlet forpent-up stress and anxiety, and gives you the bonus of a healthierbody.   You don’t have to start a marathon running program, but getting a consistent amount of exercise will do wonders for your body and soul.  Join friends for a walk two or three times a week, join a curling club, or get out in the garden.  Exercising will burn calories to help you lose weight, but also has long term benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.

4. Eat properly.   Like exercising, healthy eating offers many benefits such as managing your weight, as well as lowering the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis.  Healthy eating and exercise are a dynamic duo that can make a significant impact on your overall physical and mental health.  When you are under a lot of pressure from your daily life, it can be easy to go for the quick pre-packaged meal, junk food or maybe having no meal at all.  By taking a few minutes to prepare healthy foods, you will feel better, have more energy and have few illnesses.

5. Have some fun.  Laughing, and doing fun things is a great way to reduce stress.  You can remove yourself from your everyday life and be in the moment doing something fun with friends, family or on your own.  Having fun doesn’t have to be expensive and the good feelings will last a long time.   Suggestions?  Look for free concerts/plays at a local park, going for a walk or hike, have a picnic, arrange a potluck with friends.

Whatever your resolutions may be, they will represent a fresh, new beginning for you.  Think of yourself, your needs and what the resolutions will do to improve your life, health and well-being.

Whether you wish to start an exercise program, join a social club or have some fun with your friends and family, working extra activities into your hectic schedule can be tricky.  But looking after yourself shouldn’t take a back seat if you want to maintain a healthy, happy life.  Priority Time Errand and Concierge Services will help you with your essential, yet time consuming everyday tasks so you will have more time to relax, and take time for yourself.  We do the work so you don’t have to.   Our goal is to listen and understand your unique needs, and work with you to provide customized solutions that work for you.  From grocery shopping, meal preparation and pet care to vacation services while you take a much needed trip, we make your life much less complicated.

Call Priority Time Errand and Concierge Services today for a free, no-obligation consultation, at your home or a location of your choice.

Priority Time Errand and Concierge Services
1389 Vista Heights, Victoria, BC  V8T 2J2
Office:  250-590-3001  
Website:  www.prioritytime.ca