My biggest new year’s resolution this year, aside from the typical ones like eating better, going to the gym, and reading more, is learning how to protect my energy. For me, this embodies how wellness is changing in 2022.
At the end of last term, I found myself in a few situations that were making me unhappy. I took some time to myself over Christmas and realised that I was the only person that could make myself feel better. I decided that in the new year I would attempt to change my mindset and try to prioritise my mental health. I started doing things I genuinely enjoyed, rather than things I thought I should be doing. Eating better and going to the gym came along side it, but it was no longer about looking better… it was about feeling better. The biggest change came when I started saying no to plans I had no interest in. I realised i’d much rather be alone and content than with other people and unhappy.
I started giving myself more time to focus on myself and my own wellbeing.
So, let’s talk about some of the things you can do to fill your time that might make you more content with yourself.
Things you can do to ‘protect your energy’ in 2022.
Say no to plans
I don’t mean say ‘no’ every time someone asks you to hang out. I mean say no to things that won’t bring you any satisfaction. You don’t need a reason, or an excuse and you don’t need to feel guilty.
Pick up extra hobbies
In university it’s easy to hang out with people and go out all the time without really doing anything for yourself. It doesn’t necessarily need to be exercise based – although going to the gym has surprisingly made me feel good recently (which I never thought I would say.)
It could be reading, swimming, going out to eat, cooking, crocheting, pottery…
There are endless societies and clubs you can join whilst at university. Just because it isn’t the first term anymore doesn’t mean you can’t join another society.
Make plans with your friends that you know you’ll enjoy
If you’re the kind of person who loves clubbing, make an effort to suggest that to your friends. If you love to cook maybe suggest a dinner party and get dressed up. If you love to read suggest a book swap with some of your friends. Actively Plan things that you enjoy doing and I promise you, you’ll have a great time.
Date yourself
Take yourself out on a coffee date, buy yourself lunch, take yourself on a walk. Do things for yourself that make you feel good without having to rely on someone else to suggest it. You don’t need anybody else to date you, you just need yourself. If you’re struggling with the concept of living for yourself, try reading ‘Untamed’ by Glennon Doyle, it’s an amazing, uplifting read that attempts to show that ‘when women learn to please, we forget who we are.’
Looking after yourself doesn’t need to be a huge lifestyle change. It can be tiny changes in the way you view yourself, your life, and your energy. All this can lead to greater awareness of your own self-worth in 2022.