Welcome to 2024!
The prospect of a new year is thrilling as we think of it as a ‘fresh start’.
And so we start to formulate plans for ourselves, excited as we think of endless possibilities and adventures!
New Year's resolutions help to provide us with a roadmap for our growth and development. According to finder.com 66% of Brits will be making New Year resolutions for 2024!
Where do New Year's resolutions come from?
- They go back a long way! The first recorded people to make resolutions (or ‘pledges’ as they were called then) were the Ancient Babylonians about 4000 years ago. During the festival to celebrate the new year they would pledge their allegiance to the reigning King and make promises to repay any debts in the year ahead, believing that if they managed to fulfil their promises, they would please the Gods.
- From the Romans to the Middle Ages the making of New Year pledges continued. These pledges would be connected to the spirituality/power structures/ chivalry of the time.
- The tradition continued over the centuries, evolving bit by bit and perhaps becoming more personal in tone.
- The first recorded phrase ‘New Year's Resolution’ was featured in an American newspaper in 1813.
What resolutions do you make?
We’re a health-conscious lot these days and mindful of our wellness which includes looking after our mental health - so it’s unsurprising that the most common resolutions made each year are connected to this.
According to Statista.com, these are the most popular resolutions made in the UK, in this order:
- To exercise more.
- To save more money.
- To eat healthier.
- To lose weight.
- To spend more time with friends and family.
- To cut down on alcohol.
- To reduce spending on living expenses.
- To spend less time on social media.
- To reduce stress on the job.
- To do more for the environment.
- To improve job performance.
- To quit smoking.
- To become vegetarian/vegan.
Are yours on this list?
If trying a vegan or vegetarian diet is on your list, we can help! We have a range of gourmet vegan and vegetarian hampers that are brimming with artisan treats that will prove that health-conscious diets are packed full of flavour! Browse our special diet range here.
Do you find yourself wondering if New Year's resolutions are effective?
According to inc.com researchers say about 60% of us make New Year resolutions but only 8% are successful in achieving them!
That sounds rather bleak!
Q: Why, come the middle of January, do people find themselves struggling with their newly made resolutions?
A: Probably because they’ve given themselves unrealistic goals.
These tips may help:
- You’re more likely to achieve your goals if you resolve than if you don’t make one at all.
- Tell others your goals. In that way, you make yourself more accountable AND you’ll gain support which we help you greatly to stay on track.
- Make your resolutions ACHIEVABLE.
- Don’t think too far ahead, take it bit by bit. Think about what you want to achieve that day and then for the rest of the month.
- Think about how good it will feel to succeed each day.
- Choose your reward! If you manage to stick to your resolution for the time you set, you could decide on a gift for yourself to celebrate.
- Our range of luxury hampers would make a fantastic celebratory gift! One that you can share with your friends and family to congratulate yourself or others for seeing their resolution through to the end. See our full range here.
10 ideas for achievable New Year resolutions:
- Practice mindfulness: mindfulness is about ‘grounding’ oneself and being at ease with what is. It helps to combat stress and anxiety. There is plenty of online advice on the subject.
- Join a club: sports, books, creative - whatever takes your fancy! You’ll be surrounded by people who share your interest and you’ll make new friends.
- Take the stairs: whenever you can. Research has shown that climbing stairs for 10 minutes can do wonders for your physical health and can give you an energy boost equivalent to a strong coffee or energy drink!
- Read more books: reading provides relaxation, escapism and information!
- Drink more water: to improve your overall health and help you to look and feel less tired.
- Become a volunteer: research has shown that doing good turns for others or your environment reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. It gives you that ‘feel good’ factor! Check out your local volunteer centre or keep your eyes open for local community requests.
- Play upbeat music more often: happy, lively music elevates mood, lowers stress and even helps reduce pain!
- Learn a new skill: try a new musical instrument, cooking classes, a foreign language or swimming lessons to name a few! There are many benefits to learning something new later in life.
- Cook something new once a week: you’ll discover new flavours and expand your skill set. At the very least it’s a satisfying thing to do and stops you from getting stuck in a rut!
- Research your family history: a great activity that provides mental stimulation, and a sense of purpose that can involve the whole family. Research has shown that when we are part of a continuum we feel happy.
There are plenty of online groups and forums to join for advice, support and general chat on the subject.
A new year gives us a chance to reflect and set exciting new goals. We’re full of hope and optimism and look forward to bettering ourselves or the lives of others.
Whilst we are busy setting goals for personal growth and improvement, let's not forget the joy that comes with the simple act of giving to others as well as ourselves.
Whether you're congratulating a friend or rewarding your own accomplishments at the start of the year, our hampers are the perfect way to indulge and celebrate! Each hamper is a testament to fine quality and exquisite taste, perfect for making any moment of the new year more special. See our range of hampers here.
Happy New Year and good luck!
