How to Be Kind to Yourself in the New Year

New Year’s resolutions are meant to inspire you to do better, feel better, and be better… so why do they often make you feel worse? 

IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach Holly Krack of Nourish Me Daily recommends shifting the conversation surrounding New Year’s resolutions to one that makes you feel truly motivated and inspired, rather than frustrated or shameful. “By creating a positive discussion around future lifestyle changes and creating action plans, it can support reaching your desired feelings and health goals,” she says. Here are some ways to use Krack’s advice to positively reframe the conversation surrounding even the most overwhelming situations. 

What to do… when everyone’s talking about weight loss. 

“I encourage you to reframe the conversation by asking, ‘How do I want to feel in my body and in my day-to-day life?’ Do you want to feel healthier, have more energy, feel strong in your body, feel confident in your own skin, care for yourself, have food freedom?

“Losing weight is a common goal, but the why gets to the deeper meaning. Bringing a refreshing perspective and discussing how you want to feel can positively shift the conversation.”

What to do… when you’re having trouble staying motivated.

“Take a walk outside to reset. Reconnect with the part of yourself that was so motivated in the first place. 

Then, journal about why you’re feeling unmotivated, and get clear on what’s coming up for you. Did you have a hard day at work? Did you get in a fight with a friend? Do you feel like you’re not seeing results, so it’s not even worth it? Bring awareness to the feeling of being unmotivated; allow it to come up, and feel your feelings. Realize you don’t need to be perfect, you just need to take small, consistent action each day and reconnect to your why.”

What to do… when setting manageable goals feels overwhelming.

“Remind yourself to get back to the basics and focus on one small action you can do today that supports your goals. Taking daily action could look like cooking something at home rather than ordering takeout, drinking a glass of water over a can of soda, or going for a 10-minute walk over scrolling on social media. 

These simple shifts every day add up to creating lasting change. When it gets too overwhelming, ask yourself, ‘What’s one small thing I can do today that I know is supportive of my mental, physical and emotional health?’”

What to do… when you’re too hard on yourself.

“Take a step back and look how far you’ve come. Bring awareness to the part of you that’s feeling inadequate. Did you skip a workout, and now you’re feeling guilty? Really take time, either by journaling or sitting with yourself, to get clear on why you are being so hard on yourself. 

Once you’re aware of what is making you feel bad, take a moment to talk to yourself like you would talk to your best friend. Show yourself the same love and compassion you would to someone you love. The key to reaching your goals is to create a loving relationship with yourself, so when you get off track, you can bring yourself back to an empowered state in an instant. 

You are doing the best you can, and that is enough—you are enough.”

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before changing your diet or healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.