There’s nothing better than starting a new year with a 
clean slate so it’s time to reassess your life and leave all the baggage behind.
Maybe 2007 just wasn’t your year, you’re stressing about post-Christmas debt or you ended up breaking up with your partner on New Year’s. Begin your year the right way with a healthier outlook and a healthier lifestyle to make this the best year of your life.
Step One: Let go of the past
It’s all very well in theory to just say let go of the things that are holding you back, but it’s actually a lot harder to do. This may involve some soul searching, but try and identify what those things are and why you are holding on to them. From here on in take it one step at a time. Whether it’s building up your confidence again or getting over losing someone, it might seem hard but it’s important to stay active and out and about.
Step Two: Get out there
Staying active doesn’t mean running 24/7 or starting a strenuous exercise routine (which would be enough to fill me with dread!), rather make sure you get out of bed and do something. Go see a movie or hit the shops, catch up with friends or go for a walk - it’s all about doing what you enjoy. Filling that void will come with starting to feel happy with yourself and where you’re at. If you’re still finding it hard to get motivated, try write down a list of your next day’s activities and tell yourself you’re going to stick to it.
Step Three: Make it visual
If you’re feeling down in the dumps about yourself another good little pick me up is to write yourself reassuring notes. Scrawl down things like “I am beautiful”, “Carpe Diem” or “I am loved” and stick them to your mirror. Likewise, if you know someone who’s in a bit of a tough spot this might be a nice idea to do for them - imagine waking up to find your friend had put post-its all over your bathroom mirror to tell you how cool you are?
Step Four: Treat yourself
It’s also important to treat yourself every now and again because keeping doing the things you love will help keep you happy. Splurge out occasionally on that spa treatment, take time out for yourself and have a nice long bath, organise a party or a holiday or get tickets to that concert you want to see! Basically it comes down to self love and you deserve that time out to go and have a bit of fun.
Step Five: Take a holistic approach
It’s also amazing how our lifestyle can affect our mood so think healthy. Get yourself going on a good diet with regular exercise (find something that works for you, if you running is boring check out anything from dancing to team sports!). Physically, you’ll get yourself feeling a lot better and energised which then has great pay-offs mentally.
Step Six: Look to others
Perhaps one of the most important areas in keeping your spirits high is to make sure you surround yourself with the people you love. Work them in with the above points – get active with them, support each other by going healthy and best of all treat yourselves together! (shopping trip coming on perhaps?). Get txting, calling, emailing and hanging out because there’s nothing like a good mate to keep you strong and heading in the right direction.
Coming out of the silly season, it’s easy to let things get on top of you. There’s always going to be drama in your life but it’s the way you deal with it that makes the difference. Get out there and try keep on top of things, but if you’re struggling make sure you turn to your friends and family to help you through the hard times. It may have been a blue Christmas, but by putting yourself out there, you’re bound to have a great year.
Liselle
If you’ve been feeling down for a while and 
want to talk to someone who can help, visit www.thelowdown.co.nz or text the Lowdown Team for free on 5626 to get in touch with a qualified counsellor who can
make sure you get support that’s right for you.
