10 New Year Goals To Help You Live Slow And Enjoy Every Day 

1. Plan a Trip Every Month 

Whether it’s a weekend away or just a little day trip, don’t be defeated by the 9-5 and get out and see something new. It doesn’t have to be costly, it could be a simple bus journey to a nature park, or train ride to a new city. With friends or alone, get out and give yourself some plans outside the home. Here are a few trips I’ve done recently, a day trip to Knaresborough and a solo trip to Cornwall! 

2. Find Your Seasonal Colour Palette

It was a real game changer to my overall appearance and demeanour when I got my analysis back last year, and found I was a medium/light spring colour palette. Talking ‘getting your colours done’ always reminds me of Bridget Jones being told off by her mother for not upgrading her wardrobe. I found I was already drawn to the colours and tones that suited me, but it took some getting used to realising that black and white straight up rarely suit anyone, and aren’t ‘safe’ options. £20 well spent!

3. Choose a New Creative Hobby  

This is a very typical New Year’s resolution to see on a list of ideas, but it’s so true. People typically get a lot of joy from creating and putting beauty in to the world. It feels fulfilling and purposeful, even if it’s just for you. Personally, I have been oil painting for years, and get a lot of joy giving handmade gifts to friends and family. So if you have any colour pencils or paints stored away, give it a go instead of endlessly scrolling. Other creative hobby ideas are sewing & embroidering details on clothes, scrapbooking, model making, up cycling furniture, the possibilities are endless. 

4. Do Something That Scares You Every Week 

Now, anyone who is also an anxiety sufferer will know just how much we avoid things we don’t enjoy. Whether that’s because we truly don’t enjoy them, or because we are nervous, I don’t know. But my first step towards not letting fear rule my life is exposure therapy. Some typical things that make me anxious is chatting with strangers, sitting in a restaurant alone, trying on clothes in a store, the list goes on! Some bigger things are the adrenaline pumping activities, such as these treetop adventure ziplines. I really don’t enjoy the height, and fear it in the moment, but afterwards I feel very proud of myself for getting through it. 

5. Make Dinner Time Special 

Whether you live alone, with family, or your partner, often we get stuck in patterns that are boring or take the fun out of the everyday. Eating is such a pleasure, and food can be fun. Try having a picnic in the garden, or setting the table with some candlelight ambience to make it more special. You can do anything you want, like dessert for dinner or ‘picky bits’ in front of the TV. Make it something to look forward to, and not something to get over with.

6. Learn New Mocktail Recipes 

This is a twist on the ‘dry January’ and sobriety resolutions typical for the new year. Instead of seeing it as something you are taking away, focus on adding variety by making new recipes. If you have a blender; make frozen slushy mocktails, or invent new ones with non alcoholic spirits to make it fun and not difficult. I have been a non drinker for a long time now, and it’s very hard to explain to people who love drinking, often it can be intimidating to admit. Find ways to make sobriety more fun for you! 

7.  Take Part in a Local Pub Quiz 

This is a good one for those wanting to improve their social skills this year. You don’t have to talk to people, but you are around them and become sensitive to new surroundings. You may start to see familiar faces and learn a new skill. It’s a weekday evening plan for the calendar, rather than waiting for the weekend. Often when we are lonely, having plans in the calendar and a fun routine really helps, even if we don’t feel up to it. There has to be more to life than 9-5!

8. Try Some DIY Home Improvements

Upgrading your space can bring a lot of inner peace to your days. I know how much I love my space now it’s full of my own creative ideas. I’m a home body, and I love showing off what I’ve done with my rooms and inspiring others. Here is my kitchen shelves I’ve put up and mason jars full of whole foods to decorate. I put some unique items for the kitchen I have collected over the years, and added some faux vine leaves to incorporate nature. Beautiful spaces make me feel inspired. 

9. Rate All of Your Local Coffee Shops 

Now this is just a bit of fun for anyone feels stuck in some habits. I know I stick to my comfort coffee shop, that’s typical chain you can find anywhere. It’s a shame, as there are loads of cute aesthetic places nearby, but my hatred of change stops my trying them. Try rating coffee shops out of 10 on general vibe, coffee taste, menu options, service. Just for a bit of fun! 

10.  De Clutter Your Wardrobe And Donate! 

Stop hanging on to clothes for toxic reasons. Holding on to a dress you bought years ago ‘for when you lose weight’ is so bad for your mental health. If you haven’t worn it in 6 months, why keep it? Someone else may get tons of use out of it. If you have something hanging in your wardrobe that has been there for years, ask yourself – is this in your seasonal colour palette? Our subconscious often tells us that something doesn’t suit us. Just because we like clothing, doesn’t mean we need to have it. Donate to your local charity shop and empty your space a bit! Here are 3 dresses that happily went to the charity shop for me this year, and I haven’t thought about them since.