New year’s resolutions are like Black Friday deals. No matter how hard you try to ignore them, they have a habit of sneaking up on you.
If you’re feeling the urge to make some resolutions for 2023, and you’ve got your sights set on starting a family, we’re here to remind you to have compassion for yourself.
Focus on what’s manageable. Recognise the limitations. And let’s please all agree to throw diet culture in the bin…
Here are 3 practical approaches to setting resolutions that won’t let you down.
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Approach #1
Prioritise your physical and mental health above all else
We’ll say it straight. The better you feel in your body and in your mind, the better you’ll be able to tackle 1) the stresses and strains of pregnancy if it happens, but also 2) the experience of not getting pregnant quickly if that happens.
Therapy. Getting outdoors. Meditation apps. Yoga. These are pretty common as resolutions go. The difference? If you know exactly why they matter to you, you’re more likely to stick to them and reap the rewards.
Approach #2
Reflect back to look forwards
New year in the UK is the worst time for resolutions because it’s so darn cold and dark and uninspiring. Instead, why not look back on the year just gone, and use that as a frame for 2023?
Which 3 people had the biggest impact on you in 2022? Which 3 words would sum up your experience in 2022 (e.g. “courage”)? Which 3 decisions did you make that have paid off the most for you?
The point is to make yourself feel good about the previous year, and then use those reflections as a frame for the year ahead, rather than treating the new year as a blank slate.
Approach #3
Nurture the whole you
The goal of having a baby can dominate everything else. It’s no wonder that lots of people put all their other hopes and dreams on hold. But putting all your eggs in one basket – so to speak – really won’t set you up for happiness.
How will you celebrate the relationship-you? Or the professional-you? Or the friend-you? Or the creative-you?
Nurture every part of you, so you don’t lose sight of yourself.
Next Week: Pineapple For Fertility?
The fruit… the myth… the legend. See you then, and here’s to a compassionate 2023!
We hope you have a wonderful weekend and we’ll see you next Friday!
