Here are 5 New Year's resolutions that you need to make this year
New Years has always gifted us mums with hilarious ‘resolutions’ to roll our eyes at and think yeah, right. We’d all love to be that parent who makes a list of dos and don'ts for the new year and actually STICKS to the list. However, most of us end up with a loss of self-love after trying and failing to take up a new hobby, make only home cooked meals, read a political book a week, lose weight and save the planet all before February 1st.
To help mums weed through the unrealistic resolutions, we have come up with five suggestions to make small changes in your life this 2023 – that you can hopefully keep!
No Phone Zone
I know it sounds whiny but do you ever look around and notice that family time has turned into phone time? I’m not suggesting a total ban but some planned time and space where phones are left in a drawer, at dinner time or just after work and school. Maybe an hour or two before bed.
We haven’t entered the teen years yet so it may be easy for me to suggest a no phone zone. However even if it’s just time away from your own phone, it might give your mum mind a break from social media bombardment and a glaring screen for a few precious hours.
Be Mindful
I don’t just mean as we go about our busy lives. I mean practice mindfulness. Everyday. It’s a tough one to keep as there is ALWAYS something to be done- whether it be putting on another wash or making a work call, a mum’s mind is never idle.
However, if you put aside the time to meditate, just as you would for exercise, it might be the most beneficial resolution yet. Download a mindfulness app like HeadSpace or even search Spotify for some calming playlists to get you started.
Reduce Single-Use Plastics In The House
This year we all have the responsibility to do our bit for mama earth. Reducing your families single-use plastics waste is a fantastic way to live life a bit greener and is actually easier than you might think. However, it takes planning.
Researching sustainable alternatives is key. Simple changes like going for a glass jar for honey and other condiments, instead of the plastic option can be a good place to start. There are plenty of options for other everyday items such as toothbrushes and shampoo bottles.
Bamboo toothbrushes are all in at the moment and why not try a shampoo bar instead? You can also go for Tupperware instead of clingfilm or tin foil and definitely avoid any disposable cutlery other kitchenware. These are only some suggestions, but this new year’s resolution is certainly worth keeping in 2023.
Date Night
This ‘Date night’ doesn’t have to be a ‘date’ in the traditional sense. It could be a date with oneself or one’s book or any time where you are childless for more than half an hour. A date could be a date with your local beautician or hairdresser (if you enjoy those visits) Or you could be talking about an actual date with your other half or friends.
It’s a little more than simple me-time; it's planned and dated and something to look forward to each week!
Chill Time
If you are up to your eyes in toddler or you have a newborn who’s sleeping pattern resembles that of an owl, the word chill mays well be gibberish to you. However, if it’s in any way possible to get some time to ‘chill’ with your kids, you won’t regret making the effort.
Consciously sit and watch a movie with them and engage in the conversation (unless you have a child who doesn’t make a running commentary on everything they watch). Sit on the floor and read or colour or play. I always end up remembering that there is a wash to be hung up or a spill to clean. Decide if this is worth exiting ‘chill mode’ for- which it might be- it’s all about having the ‘chill’ option at your disposal.
