HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I find January to be a tricky customer. I’m not a fan of the whole new year, new me thing, so I refrain from making too many resolutions. After all, it’s no fun setting tough targets, only to find I fail in the first month of the year!
For 2017 I’d like to achieve a sense of balance in all areas of life. Keeping the scales from tipping too far in one direction. It’s something I was aiming for at the end of 2016, and I find it to be a kinder and gentler way to live.
Balance for me is having the freedom to say yes to the occasional indulgence and living a guilt-free life. It’s enjoying a little bit of everything while showing grace and compassion to myself and the choices I make. Most of all, it’s feeling grateful and content and making sure I have all the ingredients I need to build a happy and fulfilled life. Here are the five areas I’ll be focusing on in the coming year.
CREATING A BALANCED LIFE
1. MIND
Many of us get sidetracked investing time in how we look while neglecting what’s inside. Feeling good about our appearance can, of course, improve how we feel. But it’s valuable to start from within by practicing a little self-care and focusing on gratitude for what we already have.
During 2017 I plan to find balance by nurturing relationships while also enjoying time out to read and think. Making sure I create space for the things that bring me the greatest joy will be my primary focus. While continuing to practice mindfulness to reduce thinking about the past or worrying about the future.
I also hope to enjoy regular time offline. I find my best ideas and inspiration come when I silence the noise of the online world. It also helps me to feel slightly more present in everyday life.
2. BODY
I don’t know about you but when I impose a strict exercise routine I struggle to keep it up. This is because I either wear myself out or simply get bored. During 2017 I intend to approach exercise with a strategy of little and often while mixing up what I do to stop the boredom kicking in.
I plan to continue to swim and attend the gym while integrating movement with a daily morning walk. If I have a busy week and I don’t have time to exercise I won’t beat myself up. My priority will be to listen to my body and exercise when I need to. After all, exercise feels better when it’s viewed as a treat!
3. WORK
Last year I tried several different routines in my working life. Working freelance after twenty years of full-time employment has certainly been a big lifestyle change. And on occasion a bit of a shock!
I’m hoping that this year, I can balance out my week and workload. Being sensitive to what I need in my day and open to ideas and new ways of working. I intend to find a place where I feel at ease and can work smarter and not harder.
4. PLAY
Working freelance means the boundaries between work and play are sometimes blurred. This results in working when I should be enjoying some much needed downtime. Seeking balance will hopefully create a clear distinction, and thus enable me to fully switch off and recharge when I need to.
Balance in my downtime will include spending time with family and friends, seeking adventure as well as enjoying quiet time to relax. I hope indulging in a whole range of different activities as well as trying new things will invigorate my body and mind.
5. DIET
I wouldn’t like to advise anyone on what to eat but what works for me is a little bit of everything, and everything in moderation. I find with a balanced diet I can create a healthy relationship with food and most of all it stops me from overindulging. Over the years, I’ve noticed whenever I remove items from my diet I crave them even more!
CLARITY AND CALM
By applying balance to the five areas of life I hope to maintain a sense of clarity and calm. I’m certain there’ll be weeks when things tip in one direction. The secret will be to notice when this happens and make tweaks to get the balance back.
Whether you’ve set New Year’s resolutions, established some exciting goals or are simply looking forward to embracing life as it unfolds, I wish you all the joy in the world. Let’s strive for a peaceful, happy and healthy 2017!
34 Comments
Love this post Natasha and I deffo need to sort this out myself this year x
Thanks so much, Kirsty. Happy New Year. I hope you have a gorgeous day!
This post is so inspiring to me as I am craving the same! I’ve been listening to lots of podcasts about the same sort of subject and it’s given me the kick I need to start simplifying and also creating a better work/life balance! Xx
Happy New Year, Fritha! I think so many of us are craving a simpler life, especially with all the blurred boundaries of working freelance. I hope you find a better balance in 2017!
Happy New Year! Great post. The points are realistic and all about being kind to yourself which is always a great idea.
Thanks so much, Ashanti. Happy New Year and have a wonderful day!
Good luck in your quest for balance. I think it’s what we are all looking for! I took the cut to 4days a week in my day job towards the end of last year in the hunt for a better work life balance. It appears to be working, so far! But I still have work to do 🙂
Thanks, Laura. Dropping to four days a week sounds perfect. Happy New Year!
A guilt free life sounds perfect, and I’m so like you with exercise! I get so bored!! Happy New Year!
Thanks, Sue. I hope you had a lovely holiday. Happy New Year!
Happy new year Natasha!! I hope you will have a wonderful 2017, full of ideas, happinness and love!!
Your balanced life sounds great and I will follow your dreams again this year! xoxo
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Eva. I hope you have a magical 2017!
Sound advice! I’m definitely going to try to be kind to myself while also balancing exercise and good diet. A bit of time offline does wonders for my inspiration and I always come back feeling refreshed, with lots of new ideas. Happy new year xx
Thanks, Kathryn. It’s amazing how switching off can generate so many ideas! Happy New Year. I hope to see you soon!
I DEFINITELY need to work on my balance – this has come at a perfect time. Happy new year! x
Thanks, Alice. I’m pleased it was helpful. Happy New Year!
I will also be doing the movement on my walk thing, as every day I need to buggy walk with the dog, and I think I can put some HIIT into that as well. Happy new year!
Sounds good to me. Happy New Year, Eleanor!
You are so wise Natasha! Love how you’re applying the idea of balance to so many different areas. Makes a lot of sense. Looking forward to seeing you again soon! x
Thank you, Lottie! I hope we can catch up soon. Happy New Year!
Great post. It’s all about achieving balance! I’m inspired. I’m just about to start yoga! X
Thanks, Lucy. Yoga sounds perfect, I hope you enjoy it!
Happy New Year! Very sound advice, I especially need to abide by the CLARITY and CALM portion! Blessings to you!
Thanks so much, Diane. Happy New Year!
I really need to take a gentle approach to the new year and hopefully good things will unfold! x
That sounds good to me. Wishing you lots of happiness in 2017!
Love the blog idea- so unique!
Thank you!
This is exactly what I’m aiming for. This new year just seems so much fresher and like I’m actually going to achieve something. And not just for the year but an actual lifestyle balance and lifestyle going forward.
K.
Thanks, Kelsey. All the best for the new year!
I’m glad I’m not the only one drawn into the new year new me! I rarely make resolutions but like you I do need to find some balance. Being off work has enabled me to acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses and where I want to take things in 2017.
Victoria xx
FlorenceandMary.com
Thanks, Victoria. I’m excited to see what you do in 2017. Happy New Year!
Loved your post! it was very helpful! I’ve only just begun a blog and in need of some feed back from someone who is experienced. If you have a spare 10 minutes could you check it out and see what you think? All good if you can’t xx
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you’re enjoying blogging, I will pop over soon!