How to make 2018 your most positive year ever!

Happy New Year to you all!

Feeling the January blues already? It can be a bit of a sad time when the buzz of Christmas is all over with, the decorations are down and the house looks all bare and boring, mix that with the fact that nobody really does anything in January and it seems like a total come down BUT here's how to make 2018 your best and most positive year ever .. yes even the month of January!

Make time for yourself
This is the most important one and January is the perfect time for this as we all have a lot more spare time on our hands suddenly, get some early nights and try a new work out to get you off to a great start health wise, it doesn't have to be anything to strenuous, it could be yoga or pilates which will help not only keep your physical self healthy and in good shape but your mind also.

1. Get some more sleep (even if it's just an extra hour a few times a week)
2. Make time to pamper yourself at least once a week, whether it be a DIY facial at home, a trip to the nail bar or simply and nice bubble bath.
3. Take the time to relax more, this could be reading, meditation, listening to music or just being with the people that you love.
4. Set aside time to do the things that make you truly happy, and do this once a week, or more if possible?
5. Switch off from social media more often. I know that this is a tricky one and I'm one if the worst people for spending too much time on social media but taking a break from it, even if just for a day, it really does make a difference and help you focus on what's important, i.e. yourself, family and friends.

Surround yourself with positivity and laughter
Cut out anything or anyone that make you feel unhappy, this is a bold move as we can sometimes feel tied down to certain situations or people but just remember that this is YOUR LIFE and you have to do what makes you happy, you owe it to yourself. Surround yourself with only those that lift you higher and bring out the best in you.

Watch funny movies, YouTube clips or programmes, you know the ones that make you LOL and instantly lift your mood. I've found that if I watch something funny on the way to work in the morning, it really sets me up for a great morning.

Listen to your favourite music, create a playlist that will put a spring in your step. Music is such a powerful mood enhancer so if you don't already, make it part of your daily routine.

Smile!
This may seem obvious, but the more you smile the better you feel! Even if you don't really feel like smiling, by doing so it releases the feel good hormones in the body which will instantly make you feel more happier! Smile at strangers, it will not only make them feel good but will lift your mood too. Plus studies prove that we all look 100% more attractive when we smile!

Look after yourself from the inside out

We spend so much time as women, making sure that our outer appearance is up to scratch but a lot of us fail to look after ourselves from within! From unhealthy food choices, lack of basic exercise, a little too much Sauvignon Blanc etc (guilty!) and failing to go for basic check ups at the doctors. Make 2018 the year that you fully look after the whole package and give your body the love and care that it deserves.

Eat more fruit and veg, drink more water, rest when you are tired and just listen to your body in general, trust me you will be glowing from the inside out and not only feel better but look it too.

Don't be so hard on yourself

How often do you berate yourself for something that you have done wrong or forgotten to do etc or about how you look? We've all done it, but moving forward.. try to be mindful and take note of your inner voice and the way that you are talking to yourself.. would you talk to other people in this way, chances are no you wouldn't so use the same kindness and understanding on yourself in the way that you would with others. We are all human and all make mistakes etc, nobody is perfect!

Practice gratitude

So often we take things for granted and forget just how blessed we are. Each day think about all the things that you are grateful for in your life however small, i.e. 'I am grateful for this delicious frothy coffee' or the glorious hot water in your morning shower etc, it sounds a little ridiculous at first and you are probably thinking well these are just every day items that everyone has access to but it's not the case and the more that you appreciate the little (and big) things in your life i.e. friends, family, home etc then the more positive your life will become.

Dance!

How good does dancing make you feel? pretty amazing right? well we should all do it more often and I'm not talking about going out clubbing once a week, I'm talking about dancing like nobody is watching i.e. in your living room/bedroom.. really letting lose and getting lost in the music, this for me is one of the best things ever, and I often do this in my living room with my little girl and what an amazing mood lifter it is, trust me give it a go!

Or how about taking up a dance lesson this year i.e. salsa etc? not only will it be incredibly fun but a great work out too!