TW - brief mention of weight & body image
As we enter 2024, many of us are eager to make ambitious new year's resolutions, often with a perspective of ‘new year, new me’. However, despite high levels of energy and motivation, January can be a very overwhelming and triggering time. A common goal for many people at the beginning of the year is to lose weight. While striving for a healthy lifestyle is a positive goal, the resolution to lose weight and the subcultures surrounding it can be extremely harmful and dangerous. Weight does not determine worth nor happiness, so instead of choosing to lose weight as your 2024 goal, here are five alternative new year’s resolutions!
1. Learning a new skill or hobby
Studies have shown that having a physical skill like crochet or playing an instrument is good for your brain and can help it function better, for longer! Some hobbies you could try are: knitting, painting, piano playing, photography, jewellery-making - the possibilities are endless!
2. Keeping a diary or journaling
This is one of the most helpful habits that I started last year. Having a place to clear your head of anything troubling you is so beneficial for feeling calm and is really therapeutic. My only regret is not starting sooner. One thing I do to keep it fun and creative is using my journal as a scrapbook, too, and keeping little tokens such as photos or receipts in there.
3. Being more adventurous
I think we can all agree that it is very easy to get washed away in the mundane and/or stressful aspects of everyday life: deadlines, work, lectures… Being more adventurous could help keep life fun and interesting. For example, try going on a walk with no set destination or try some new cuisine!
4. Becoming more comfortable doing things alone
For many people, the idea of doing things alone can be very daunting. However, it is important to be comfortable within yourself and your own company. This could mean going to the cinema alone, trying a new restaurant by yourself, and so on…
5. Getting better at budgeting and finance
It is no secret that university is a very expensive experience that accrues a lot of debt. If you don’t already have one, creating a monthly budget or a savings account could be a great way to control your finances and help you feel more confident with your money. There are many templates to follow online and ‘Blackbullion’ is an example of a website designed to help students with finances at Reading Uni.
There are many fulfilling goals and resolutions which have nothing to do with weight and our bodies to choose from. If you are struggling with body image or related issues, there is help available and you are not alone!
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