Make time for a fresh start this new year

The past year has been both challenging and rewarding for all Australians as we cautiously emerge from two years of lockdowns and adapt to life at full speed. We have seen a change in the federal government, severe flooding in parts of the country and powerful bushfires. On a personal level, Woven Threads released Stories from Within, got accepted into film festivals and continued to foster relationships with the community. The new year is the perfect time to reflect on the past twelve months whilst setting intentions for the next year. Follow the tips below to help you bring on 2023!

1. Consider your goals and resolutions.

It might sound cheesy, but new year’s resolutions are so crucial to tracking your growth over the coming year. Setting an intention is the first step to following through on it. Make sure that your resolutions are things that you actually want to work on, rather than overly-optimistic whims. Refine your list and then write them down somewhere visible. Throughout the year, track your progress and in 12 months time be proud of what you have achieved!

2. Polish up your daily routine.

End-of-year festivities can certainly lead to crumbling daily routines. You may have found yourself abandoning the vacuum in exchange for the TV remote, or hitting snooze on your alarm before work. For many people, routines are an important way to keep on top of life’s busyness. Coming into the new year, I find that regulating my sleeping hours is key to maximising my productivity throughout the day. Find something to look forward to in the morning, like drinking your favourite brand of tea or making your favourite breakfast. This can encourage you to get out of bed and get the day started. From there, sprinkle small rewards throughout your day to help keep your routine on track.

3. Find a new hobby.

It’s always fun to try new things, and what better time than the weeks before the year begins to heat up? If you love sports, why not try to swim laps regularly whilst the weather is warm? Watch Stories from Within: Olive to learn about how Olive uses swimming as a tool to improve her mental health. Activities like starting a veggie patch, DIY-ing some furniture and learning vegan cooking are both enjoyable and good for the environment!

4. Make time for yourself and your loved ones.

Whilst the days are still long and the weather is still warm, make time to grab dinner with a friend or invite your family on a picnic. The world can be so isolating, but making the effort to keep connected can make such a difference. Once you fall into the habit of reaching out to loved ones, it becomes second nature and before you know it you will always have someone to talk to when you’re feeling low. As always, make sure to take time out for yourself as well. Go on solo walks or cook an elaborate meal for one. Remember to foster a relationship with yourself as well.