3 New Year’s Resolutions That Aren’t About Your Weight

January always has that fresh feeling! There are 12 months to come and the possibilities feel endless. This might give you the knee-jerk feeling to set all the goals, including weight loss ones. You might be thinking, in this atmosphere that feels like anything is possible, that *this* year is the one you “lose the weight for good.” You’ve made a grocery list, thrown out the last of the holiday foods, and you signed up for that new gym membership.

But did you know that about 95% of diets fail? January might feel new and exciting, but many weight loss resolutions end before it even becomes February. That’s because restriction sets you up for binge eating—it becomes a cycle where you are depriving yourself “on the wagon” and then feel out of control when you give into cravings.

Instead of focussing on the number on the scale, here are examples of New Year’s resolutions to support your mind, body, and soul!

Add happiness habits.

You’ll notice this one is about adding in new things, instead of the diet culture idea of restriction! Every day we make so many decisions: what to eat, what to wear, what route to take… It can leave you feel drained. Instead of overhauling your eating and workout routine, think about the little things you can do that will bring some joy into your life. Maybe it’s buying a new face wash and then enjoying the foaming cleanser each morning. Or perhaps you start writing down a daily affirmation as your coffee brews. Consider what small indulgences make you smile and then add them to your day! This might seem like a small change, but these little pockets of happiness in your everyday means you’ll have positivity in your life more often (and reach for your emotional eating foods less often!).

Intuitive movement.

Forget the hour-long workouts and “no pain, no gain” mentality. Instead of writing down a complex gym plan, write out what activities you enjoy doing where you move your body. It can be as simple as walking, to as unique as rollerblading! Maybe you like being part of a team or would rather stretch out in yoga after a day sitting at a desk. Starting to move your body in a way that brings you pleasure, can make such a difference in your mindset towards how you feel in your body and about your body.

Create connection.

We’ve talked before about how the solution for loneliness is connection, but it is also something that can make you feel fulfilled in so many ways! It can be so soul soothing to share laughs with friends at a book club, raise your voice in spiritual song, or volunteering with a cause you believe in. Get curious about if you feel more fulfilled by in-person versus online forums, in a big group or one-on-one. And give yourself permission to let go of an activity or person who isn’t making you feel your best. Planning and having activities to look forward to can be a great way to keep you smiling well into the new year!

💛 Your peace awaits.