New Year New You

The year is 2020, I have just graduated from University and in a mere nine days, I will be 26 which is honestly horrifying because I realize that every year that has gone by I have made a resolution and then 2 weeks later I have gone back to my normal routine. I recently stumbled upon my 2018 list which included things like “do yoga every day” and “become a bad*ss”, sorry 2020 Lauren but you still haven’t done either of those things. So this year I’m changing the narrative: I’m not making a resolution.

Instead of an unattainable resolution, I will

 quite honestly never meet I have decided that the focus on creating healthy habits. Habits aren’t easy to build either by any means, estimates put habit-building at taking anywhere from 21 days to 254 days. This in itself is no easy feat it takes daily work and commitment though a day off won’t hurt long term. The habits that I want to focus on revolve around health, happiness and hedonism.

Healthy habits to build this year might include drinking more water, eating breakfast, exercising more or getting a full eight hours of sleep. A key commitment for me this year is making exercise a regular part of my routine, no matter the intensity. That means getting an hour of movement, even light movement throughout the day. Studies have proven that any amount of activity is better than no activity at all and it can reduce the risk of certain diseases, boost your energy or improve your mood.

Prioritizing happiness is another habit I want to build, making sure I enjoy life to the fullest. That means once a week doing something fun, going out to enjoy coffee at a new cafe or playing the video game I have yet to complete. Happiness looks different to everyone, so find what makes you happy and take the chance to do it.

Hedonism is all about self-indulgence and pleasure: savouring chocolate, practicing self-care and revelling in debauchery. In broad terms, a hedonist maximizes pleasure and reduces pain, though depending on who you ask the two are inexorably linked. I have always viewed Vianne Rocher, the fictitious main character of Joanne Harris’ “Chocolat” as the example of pure hedonism, alluring and sensual she displays a lust for life we should all cultivate more freely.

Take this quiet New Years Day to prioritize a reflection on who you would like to become this year that is the purest expression of yourself. Make this year the year you live your best – most beautiful – life. Set yourself a few goals (or don’t) and strive towards them. My hope is that together, dear readers, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Happy New Year, dear readers, I hope it brings you health, happiness, hedonism and your best life.