What's your New Year's Resolution for 2019?
The Christmas holidays are a time of reflection and optimism for many people – reminiscing on the year that is drawing to a close and looking forward to the year ahead. Many people choose to make “New Year’s Resolutions” but surveys show that the majority of these have fallen by the wayside within the 1st month.
So, how can we harness this natural New Year’s optimism in a way that can keep us motivated all year long?
1.) Word your goals carefully.
Don’t set yourself up to fail by resolving to visit the gym 3 times per week or to lose 5 kilos or to get a six pack. Choose words that describe the overall healthier lifestyle you aspire too!
“Be more active” is more achievable than committing to visit the gym 3 times per week! This resolution could still include 3 trips to the gym on a good week, but another week could be just as easily met by 1 trip to the gym, 1 visit to the pool and a family walk on the weekend.
“Make healthier eating choices” would help you to lose those pesky 5 kilos but would also put you on the right track for keeping them off in the long term.
2.) Chose just 1 word for the year.
Why not simplify your resolution? Instead of making a specific resolution, choose one word that reflects what you think is the most important thing for you to bear in mind this coming year. For teenagers facing exams, the word could be “RELAX” or “BALANCE” so that they remember that whilst study is important, it should not be all-consuming and that it is important to practice self-care during such a stressful and intense period.
3.) If a year seems like too long, commit to something for just for a month!
After the excesses of Christmas, many people choose to do a “Dry-January” (alcohol free January) and “Veganuary” (going vegan or vegetarian for January) is also gaining in popularity. Shorter term commitments can still have a very positive impact on your health and give you the New Year a great kick-start.
To children who find the idea of a yearlong commitment too overwhelming, a month-long challenge is often perceived as more fun and achievable. A month can also be all that is needed to install a good habit (making the bed in the morning, reading daily for 20 minutes before going to sleep, walking to school, eating breakfast daily, taking up a sport) that then lasts a lifetime!
Following an increasing number of enquiries from parents, KidooLand launched a programme of activities in English aimed purely at adults in September 2018. Yoga (Tuesdays at 9h30), Pilates (Fridays at 9h30) and English conversation classes (Mondays at 12h) are all currently available – sign up for just a week or commit to a full term up front and we’ll help you “be more active” and learn English at the same time!
We have also added an extra English is Fun class on Wednesdays at 15h for anyone with children looking to improve their English in a fun-filled, positive and creative environment.
For the toddlers, KidooLand continues to run Mum and Baby groups on Mondays (10h), Parent & Toddler groups on Fridays (10h), Parent & Toddler Yoga on Thursdays (9h30) and playgroups 6 mornings per week for children aged 2 – 5 years.
For more information about any of our activities, please don’t hesitate to contact us.