Small Steps Towards Sustainable Wellness in the New Year

I hope everyone had a lovely festive break and embraced some moments of peace, calm and joy in amongst some of the other noise and feelings that can come up. The holiday season is often a time when people let loose with so many parties, nights out, events, gatherings, shopping, gifting, eating more than usual, and less sleeping. In our younger days we enjoy all these things and our body seems to keep up! Enter those of us going through some realisations that perhaps our body are better served when we maintain our own personal boundaries, we guard our bedtime for the gift that it is sleep! We keep prioritising our health and wellbeing despite the barrage of things we are told are ‘treats’.

I’m over the moon to see, read and hear more people opting to slow things down. To relish in some quiet moments. To go for a walk in nature. To adopt slower, more mindful mornings, whether that be with some yummy tea, a couple of pages of their book, or perhaps some journaling. I have also found more people learning to adopt the flow of the seasons and ditch the New Year, New Me vibe that we have been pushed into over the years. The endless resolutions about what you’re cutting out, ditching, banishing, abstaining from.

What if we just took all that pressure off all year round? What if we could settle into a way of living that truly embraced all of the nourishing, wonderful wonderment of this human existence? Too woo woo? Too out there? Maybe for some. Maybe some folks don’t want that slow pace, that cosy calm quiet feeling of stillness. Maybe some people are too afraid to sit and really think about how they really want to show up for themselves.

When we take a good hard look at the habits we have created for ourselves, the routines and patterns we have fallen into, are we truly happy?

I’m encouraging you to consider the idea of carving out some time in your life, a really important date with YOU, your one true love. Ask yourself what does this body of mine need and deserve? How do I wish to spend my time, day to day, week to week? Where and how can I bring joy and fun into each day? What can I finally let go of, or indeed whom? I wonder what would come up for you if you let it.

How can you nourish and honour your incredible body? As a Registered Nutritionist, I know how people can want to make changes to their health and eating behaviours. They would love more balance, more understanding but quite frankly it is a flipping minefield out there. It is no wonder people give up and throw the towel in on themselves. I find people get so overwhelmed with the volume of information and ‘experts’ out there that they will follow someone's strict plan, barely eat anything and end up feeling worse than when they started. Yes, they may experience a glowing first few weeks, usually because they cut back or eliminate the things they know are not the most nutritious, ease off the takeaways and ultra-processed foods, they start moving their bodies, they start drinking more water. That in itself would give anyone a wee happy boost, but the question is, is whatever they are being told or recommended sustainable for them? There will always be caveats depending on the individual and most individuals these days are dealing with one or more health concerns. 

Ultimately it would be my wish for you and your families to consider how you can start taking the best care of yourselves and each other going forward. What small, but sustainable wellness changes can you implement and let become second nature? Can you choose quality sources of foods? Can you find new ways to connect and listen to your body? Can you go for a daily stroll around the park?

If you are struggling to move forward and ready to make some positive changes towards a healthier future, please reach out. Between us all in this community, we will endeavour to recommend the right person to help you.

Wishing you a Joyful January and a smooth transition into a Fabulous February.

Sally Munro is a Registered Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist, Yoga Teacher and Director of Simply Swim Aberdeen swim school. Working with clients of all ages and stages of life, Sally focuses on the simple steps you can take towards improving your health and wellbeing.

website: www.sallymunro.co.uk
email: hello@sallymunro.co.uk
Instagram: @salthewellnesswarrior
Facebook: Simply Swim Aberdeen