New Year Positivity

[moshmoshi]

I would like some ideas about some positive things I can do over the next year. My life is ok- nothing awful or particularly difficult- just a bit meh and feel a bit stuck in a rut with DH and family and social ife.

Some ideas I've already stolen: do something new or different each month and buy a nice little something every month and wrap up so have a nice suprise stocking for Christmas next year (I'm going to do this for DH and DC next year as well not just me!)

Hi 👋 why not a morning ritual that’s positive like a hot drink with collagen powder in, some nice supplements (depending on age - I’m menopausal so have a good quality multi for that) then I sit down and do my daily journal and gratitude thinking.
I have this one:

https://healf.com/products/the-positive-planner

also sounds really silly but every morning taking 2-3 minutes to stretch out all of my limbs neck etc. some mornings I also do a Gua Sha massage for my face. Just little moments phone-free that treat my body.

happy new year!

No matter whats happening in your life on any day, to appreciate/find something positive, ie spring flowers, a tree, view from your windows, opening curtains and seeing early morning sun, appreciate the fact you can pay the bills, your DH (assuming he's generally a good person) etc.

Allow yourself 'me' time for a hobby, reading, fresh air but also try a bit harder with relationships. The stocking fillers are a lovely idea.

@Nooyead that book stresses me out as I'd sit all anxious trying to think of things to put in there. I'm not being narky, just curious as I'd love to do journaling as it's proven to be good for us but the thought of it makes me overwhelmed! Any tips?

@Susiesoozie me too. I can’t relax when faced with two pages of questions I can’t easily answer. I think it might be more useful if you flip to a random page and choose one or two prompts and just do those which catch your eye at that moment. I’d focus better on the prompt than having to do the ‘daily homework’. Perhaps it’s because the prompts that catch my eye vary with what’s been on my mind anyway, so they’d be most relevant at that moment and hopefully address a gap in my day / week / life!

The little stocking fillers sound fun! Can’t be edible treats this early in the year yet ;) there are many Christmas gifts being discounted right now, so your idea makes good sense.

Hopefully someone will be along with some bigger things...

However for me I've recently been trying to do some regular, little self-care things. Got a mask and drops for my dry eyes, take vitamin D, found a new skincare product that's cleared my skin up, switched to natural deodorant (which has been a game-changer). Very little effort and get a real sense of achievement knowing I've introduced and stuck to using them and that they're all benefitting me. Also added extra fruit to breakfast routine so even if I have a terrible eating day I know I've had 2 portions pre-8am. Switched to lovely bakery bread.

My lovely parents gave me some money for Christmas and instead of it being absorbed into the general pot I've actually spent it on actual nice bits for myself this year...2 parcels arriving to cheer me up this week and a subscription to something that'll last all year.

Have done Couch 2 5K previously, which was great. And switched from telly to interesting/friendly podcasts during bits of the day.

I also had a thought that every time I think 'I'll scroll through Mumsnet' I won't...I'll use the time to do something productive. Failed miserably so far!

I am going to volunteer in Thailand for two weeks for a charity that needs my specific skill set.
For me this is the year I give back, I am also volunteering in a business role in schools.
I am recovering from burn out and making positive change is really important to me.

Thank you for all the ideas - given me lots to think about. Would love to do a few weeks volunteering - hoping to do a week with puffins in skomer in 2026!

I try to be grateful and I'm generally a positive person, though it can slip! Maybe making that and self care into more of a routine would be good- I'm peri menopausal and have just started supplements- and hopefully HRT soon!