Why Resolutions That Prioritise Rest Are More Sustainable

As the clock strikes midnight on the first day of a new year, glasses of champagne are enthusiastically traded for dumbbells. It feels so good to go to bed at 8 pm, wake up at 4 am, aggressively eat a cabbage while running 10km in 30 minutes, finish all your chores, drink your water, do your skincare routine, and save the rainforest all before 7 am.

Then the clock strikes midnight again. It's the 2nd of January. Four hours later and you hit snooze, pull the covers over your head, and make a deal that you'll get back to being your best self tomorrow; you've still got 12 months after all. In truth, you already feel like the year has got the better of you, and it's only day two.

There Are Two Main Problems With New Year's Resolutions

1. They take an all or nothing approach.

All or nothing seems to be the downfall of many a resolution. While showing up as your future self is a wonderful way to become them, it takes time. At the start of the year, we come out of the blocks so quickly that we treat lifestyle changes as a sprint instead of a marathon.

We look at where we want to be versus where we are and decide to eliminate or add anything that doesn't align. There's no problem with setting goals; in fact, they are a key determinant of future success. They just need to be sustainable.

Sustainable is synonymous with being long-lasting, durable, slow, essentially taking your time and focusing on small, tenable changes that can stand the test of time.

2. They focus on removing things rather than adding.

It feels more difficult to give something up than to start something new. It takes strong willpower, and that never feels sustainable. Plus, battling against yourself isn't the vibe, even if the end goal would be a better you.

Let's take giving up an unhealthy habit as an example: smoking, drinking excessively, too much sugar. Tackling these habits from a position of lack puts the onus on losing something from your life.

Changing the way we look at this can change the narrative, and ultimately the stories we tell ourselves. It isn't easy, but it is simple. If increasing your overall health, getting stronger or more alert is your focus, then anything that doesn't serve that can fall away.

So this year, I'm taking a new approach to becoming my best self.

Resolutions usually centre around discomfort or lack in some way. The only things I'm resolving not to do this new year are depleting myself or allowing the outside world to hold more value than my inner world. 

Our resolutions need to feel good or do good if they want longevity. What if you could add things to your life that do both? Imagine luxuriating in new practices that soothe your mind, body and soul. Picture yourself as the abundant main character in your story, living a life that feels luscious, enjoyable, and nourishing.

My Restful Resolutions For The New Year

Adding sensual rituals to promote rest.

Sensual rituals bring us out of our heads and back into our bodies. They stir the soul, soothe the spirit and top up the proverbial cup. They couple the physical action of a ritual with the spiritual act of setting an intention.

They are all about slowing everything down; our breath, thoughts, and actions, and they can last for as much or as little time as needed.

One example would be a sensual shower ritual where you set an intention that your shower will wash away the day's stresses and allow you to luxuriate in your skin. Light a candle, put on some gentle music and let your imagination run free. Close your eyes, slow your breath and move your body to the rhythm of the music.

Romanticising daily life.

Life rarely looks like a social media highlight reel, but that doesn't mean it can't feel like one. There's something magical about turning everyday activities into mini experiences, from stopping to smell your morning coffee to appreciating the feeling of soft fabric on your skin.

Creating spaces that appeal to our senses can make life feel beautiful. Keep an area just for yourself with an aesthetic that brings you peace. For me, that looks like a cosy chair with a blanket at the ready, a side-table that can hold a scented candle, a small vase with fresh flowers and my hydration station (a glass bottle of water, rose water facial mist and a nourishing lip balm to hydrate inside and out). I can journal, read, meditate, and most importantly, just be in this spot.

A massive part of romanticising your life is attached to gratitude. Being grateful for rest, nourishing food, your mind, your favourite mug, everything-and-anything, changes the lens through which we view the world.

Protecting that main character energy.

When we place ourselves firmly in the role of the main character in our life story, we can shift our energy. How do they show up for themselves and life on the whole? Do they expect the best from life? How can you begin embodying their energy today?

A great place to start is being intentional with your time, energy and decisions. Prioritising rest and recovery with naps, a consistent sleep routine, and slow alone time nourishes your mind, body and soul. Regularly checking in with yourself and asking "how do I want to feel" gives a deeper understanding of your needs, then you just need to listen and act accordingly.

Setting healthy boundaries from a place of compassion for yourself and others is a game-changer. Though it can be uncomfortable in the beginning when you opt to put your own needs first in situations that could be detrimental to you and your energy, the benefits start to shine through with time.

Sustainable Resolutions For The Win

The purpose of implementing these three resolutions is that I want life to look beautiful and feel even better. They stir the spirit and soothe the soul from a more relaxed and well-rested place. Life gets to feel luxurious and indulgent every day, like sinking into the most heavenly bed with a deep appreciation for life.

Resolutions that focus on meeting our needs on a soul level make us more present in life and, in turn, are more sustainable and enjoyable. They change us from the inside out, give us back our power and turn the mundane into the marvellous.

We are art and poetry in motion, ever-evolving, beautiful beings that deserve a well-rested life to match. Restful resolutions embrace a healthy curiosity of what will light us up, and they create positive changes in our lives from a natural and enduring foundation. Whether it's the first day of the month or not, any day is an excellent day to prioritise your growth.