6 minThis blog was written by Kari - De Groene Mama - in collaboration with VitaminFit. In this blog, Kari talks about her resolutions, goals and intentions. Read on to find out more!
Whether you make resolutions at the start of the new year or think it's nonsense, it's always a good idea to take good care of yourself. So if you don't make resolutions, I hope this blog will inspire you in another way. I personally find the turn of the year a wonderful time to reflect. I always use Advent to slow down a little after the hustle and bustle of autumn, to turn inward, to process the past year and to create space for something new.
Just as nature prepares for spring in winter, I find January a great month to take stock and actively think about what I want in the new year. It gives me a sense of “ownership” – control or responsibility – over my life and the choices I make, within the unpredictability of existence.
Resolutions, goals and intentions
I didn't have my resolutions, goals and intentions for 2024 ready on 1 January. During the holidays, I talked to various people about their New Year's resolutions, so I had an idea of what I wanted in 2024, but I didn't put them down on paper until 12 January. So if you're still searching for inspiration, it's never too late to write them down! Grab a pen and paper, sit down with a cup of tea and let the words flow.
Health as the foundation
Health and energy are two of the most important foundations of a happy life. With my healthy body, I can do fun things with my children, work, go bouldering, walk in nature, visit museums, meet up with friends. All the things that make me happy and give me satisfaction. They give direction and shape to my life.
I am incredibly grateful for that healthy body. And that is the third cornerstone of happiness: gratitude. I am not always grateful for my healthy body and I do not take optimal care of it every day. I often take it for granted. Yet without my health or the health of my children, my life would be extremely different. Practising gratitude and investing in our health is therefore my most important goal for 2024.
Physical health
I always look at my physical health from a number of perspectives, including nutrition, exercise, sleep and environment. We eat vegan and I don't find it difficult to eat healthily, especially on the days when my children are with me. It's such a habit that it takes little effort.
The same goes for taking nutritional supplements: I have my routines and rituals with the children. But in the new year, I also want to cook tasty and healthy meals for myself more often and take my supplements when I am alone. In addition, I want to go alcohol-free more often and avoid other unhealthy drinks, such as cola. I want to continue bouldering three times a week, continue cold dipping in nature once a week and go to bed on time more often. No endless scrolling on my phone in the evening, but reading at least 20 pages on my spike mat, taking magnesium and valerian and getting a good night's sleep so that I can get up on time again.
For several months now, I've been taking a cold shower for 1 to 2 minutes in the morning: wonderful! It won't work every day, but these are the things I know make me feel healthier, fitter and happier. Another important part of a healthy body is a healthy environment. Keeping my house healthy, ensuring clean air, good humidity, a dust-free environment, and proper ventilation: it takes work, time, and effort, but these are all things that have a major impact on your physical health.
Emotional and mental health
Bouldering, cold dipping, cold showers: these are all things that not only have a positive impact on my physical health, but also my mental health. But also: going outside every day, connecting with nature. Visiting a museum every week and letting the healing power of art do its work. Healthy food nourishes my body. Nature, literature, music and art nourish my soul. But the people around me also play an important role in my emotional health. Who I surround myself with, who I give my energy to, where I set boundaries... it all contributes to that aspect of health. One of the things on my wish list for 2024 is a trial lesson in Krav Maga. I want to experiment and play with setting boundaries a little more, stand up for myself and feel confident in my own choices.
Perhaps you recognise some of the things on my list that bring me health and happiness. Maybe your list contains completely different things, such as going on wonderful trips, taking up a new hobby, finding a different job or saving up for certain material purchases. Whatever it is, I hope you have entered 2024 full of enthusiasm and energy and are excited about the things you want to do and achieve!
