As we approach the year’s end, it’s a natural time for introspection. We may look back over the year to appreciate and acknowledge our successes and goals achieved, and for some of us, that will be our health and wellness journey.
I am a big advocate for reviewing and celebrating all we have achieved, even the smallest win. We can learn from our experiences – what worked and what didn’t, so we can plan how we will go forward and build on the success from the previous year.
It’s important to look at your health and wellness as a journey rather than a destination – it’s never complete. This is why I’m not a fan of diets – our weight loss or exercise goals need to be something we can consistently integrate into our lives. If our goals involve an event we have to train for, like a marathon or decathlon, our year may have more training schedules than normal but generally, our health goals need to be sustainable for the long term.
In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to reflect on the year with ease and include some tips on how to plan the year ahead.
Reflecting on your year
Go back through the year and notice what were the pivotal moments that shaped your year.
- Celebrate your health and wellness wins, no matter how small.
- Identify the challenges you overcame and the lessons you’ve embraced.
Reflecting on your unique journey allows you to appreciate your progress and encourages gratitude for your commitment to well-being.
The power of consistency
Notice the small, daily choices in nutrition, exercise, and self-care that collectively contributed to your transformation. Recognising the significance of each step, irrespective of its size, emphasises that the journey itself is a series of victories that shape our well-being.
Embracing Lessons in Flexibility
A crucial lesson I’ve learnt over the years pertains to flexibility in the pursuit of health. Wellness is an evolving process. As we move through life, our needs change. Adapting to changing circumstances, whether in workout routines, dietary preferences, or stress management, has been a valuable lesson of mine. The ability to embrace change fosters resilience and a deeper connection with our bodies. This realisation was incredibly freeing for me – sometimes we can get too ridged with our routines and stressed if we cannot tend to them or if something changes. Being flexible means we can adapt or pivot easily to any changes that occur.
Celebrating Collective Wellness Achievements
Another inspiring addition to this yearly reflection is to celebrate the health and wellness achievements of those around us. If you are part of a wellness collective, team, regular class, or accountability group, celebrating their fitness milestones or sustainable lifestyle changes, can encourage and inspire us to do better.
Setting Positive Intentions for the Upcoming Year
With reflection comes the opportunity to set positive intentions and wellness goals for the next year.
Think about what aspects of your well-being you would like to prioritize in the coming year. Is it adopting a new fitness routine? Do you want to cultivate your mindfulness practices? Perhaps it’s refining your nutrition choices. Are you training for a specific event? Do you have weight goals you want to achieve?
Setting clear and realistic intentions can guide your wellness journey in the upcoming months.
Meet you health & Wellness goals in the new year
Here are some tips to help you plan and meet your health & wellness goals for a healthier, happier you in 2024:
- Start with where you want to be at the end of 2024 and work backwards, setting mini milestones for how you will achieve it.
- Make your goals realistic – do they fit into your current lifestyle? Are the changes you want to introduce sustainable? It’s no good saying you will go to the gym at 6am every morning if you have a demanding job or young children.
- Aim for balance; factor in work, downtime, and family commitments.
- Start small and build on each success – for example, if upping your movement and exercise is a goal, if you manage to sustain getting in 5000 steps a day for a few weeks, can you up that amount each month until you reach your desired goal?
- Think about adding in goals relating to sleep, exercise, nutrition, hydration and mindfulness.
By taking some time to look back and celebrate how far you’ve come, you will be motivated to plan those goals for next year with renewed energy, a deeper understanding of yourself, and a commitment to your holistic well-being.
Reflect, renew your spirit, and recharge your enthusiasm for the wellness journey that lies ahead. Your health is a lifelong investment, and each step you take brings you closer to the vibrant, thriving life you deserve.
Here’s to a year filled with health, happiness, and unwavering dedication to well-being.
If one of your goals next year is to work with a nutritionist and wellness coach then let’s talk. Having a personalised plan and accountability will ensure you reach your wellness goals.