On the first of January 2023 everyone feels like they are starting a new journey with a fresh start. Despite innumerable pressures of life, you have to lead a calmer, less stressed routine with or without New Year resolutions.
If you want a change in your lifestyle, plan carefully taking one step at a time. You may not be able to achieve everything you wish, but you have a whole year at your disposal.
In the first place, clear your house of clutter. There is no necessity to keep empty bottles, plastic containers and broken furniture in your house. You have to get rid of them. This is not something impossible because you are in charge of everything at home.
Everyone needs a change, but some of them do not know what exactly they need to change. If you cannot decide what you should do first, make a list of priorities and stick to it.
If you are in the habit of leaving your thoughts in a journal, continue to do so. When you record your worries in a journal, they tend to disappear mysteriously. When you make a list of your desires, you are very likely to achieve at least some of them.
Confront your fears and secure your commitments because your life is a collection of relationships, work, money, health and spirituality. Be happy with what you have achieved so far and strive for a better life.
Philosophy of life
Your philosophy of life is closely related to your income, education, status and motivation. Today is the ideal time to mull over your thoughts. Setting goals will help you focus on what you want to achieve. Fine tune your goals and give them a winning edge. If you are overweight, go for slimming exercises. If you set about it properly, you can achieve very good results.
Avoid multitasking and do one thing at a time. At least occasionally hand-wash your clothes and mop the floor without using electrically operated machines. When you do so, you get more exercise and feel more refreshed.
Do not waste time on your smart phone and try to meet some of your friends in the New Year. If you have been burning the midnight oil, take sleep seriously. If you sleep well, your health will improve tremendously.
There is no need to consult astrologers and soothsayers because the new and unexpected events often bring exhilaration. Stop whatever you do for a few moments and listen to your body. Take a deep breath and listen to the birds singing in the trees and feel the cool breeze in the morning.
Break your daily routine and do something new. Buy a different newspaper and read. Listen to a new kind of music. Instead of complaining, count your blessings.
An old Latin proverb says, ‘Carpe diem’- seize the day. Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy. Do not worry about missed opportunities because life is full of them.
New Year resolutions
If you have so many important tasks, deal with the urgent ones first. Making New Year resolutions is easy, but the hardest part is keeping them. According to a recent research by a British consumer magazine, 40 percent of the people give up their New Year resolutions after some time. Make it a point not to fall into that category. One good resolution is to get up early in the morning. Some people lie awake in bed for hours without getting up.
You have to communicate with others to maintain relationships. Without communication, you cannot share your experiences and feelings. They are the building blocks of love and goodwill. Keep your communication lines open so that others can contact you easily. Modern living compels you to be somewhat assertive but not aggressive.
Dr. Sarah Edelman in her book ‘Change your thinking’ said, “Being assertive means willingness to express your thoughts honestly in a way that takes into account the rights of other people. Other people’s rights and interests are important, but so are yours. If you see someone throwing their dirty clothes on the floor, what will you say? Tell them, I feel like a slave when you throw your dirty clothes in the floor and I wish you would put them in the washing basket instead.”
Most of us have dreams and desires. Some people secretly nurture a desire to make a radical change in their lifestyle. Think carefully before doing so. In the meantime, some household work can lead to depression. Although they involve exercising your body, they do not necessarily boost your morale.
Therefore, try to find an alternative way of doing them. One method is to share the workload with others at home. Even washing clothes or cleaning the house can be fun when everybody joins in it. Encourage your children to join your efforts. They say every job that must be done there is an element of fun.
Financial advisers
You do not need financial advisers to tell you about rainy days. If you earn some money, save at least a part of it. There are many financial challenges you have to face in life. If you manage your income properly, there is no need to pawn your jewellery or raise a bank loan.
At any stage of your life, there should be an emergency fund. According to ‘Personal Finance for Dummies,’ author Eric Tyson said, “The average American saves five percent of his earnings. Australians save around four percent. This is not enough - we should save at least ten percent.”
Another important factor is that you should learn the art of relaxation which helps you release tension. There are many ways to release your tension. Some people can relax in an armchair, others read novels and poetry. Listening to music is another way to release tension. If everything fails, go for a brisk walk early in the morning.
Although we have some misgivings about eccentrics, they are a group of people who live in a world of their own. They do not worry about what others say about them. They are happier than ordinary people.
Dr Simon Siew who is a psychiatrist at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre in Singapore said, “Eccentrics are happy because they are less stressed than others.” So, there is nothing wrong if you embrace some of your eccentricities!