SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 
HomeTagsPosts tagged with "new years resolutions"

new years resolutions

by

While it's not uncommon to enter the New Year on a total health buzz, we were surprised to discover that women are almost twice as likely to do so when compared to their male counterparts.

A recent survey conducted by iReach Insights looked at the resolutions made by 1,000 Irish adults, and found some pretty big differences in the way men and women chose to interpret the 'new year, new me' mantra.

Rather surprisingly, results showed that just over one quarter of us made any New Year's resolution at all this year – though 39 per cent say they are starting a new diet plan this January.

Surely a new diet plan counts as a resolution, no?

Anyway, whatever you want to call it, 50 per cent of Irish woman plan to eat healthier over the coming year, while just 28 per cent of men intend to do the same.

The figures highlight the pressures and unrealistic beauty standards facing young women today.

Sure, there's no harm in trying to shed those Christmas lbs, but when the female population are almost twice as likely to want to do so, it's worth looking at the bigger picture.

What's more, another recent survey conducted by iReach Insights found that 51 per cent of Irish females felt deflated and low upon returning to work after the Christmas holidays, compared to 44 per cent of men.

Chin up ladies, you're doing great!

Trending

by

So, how many of the good resolutions you took last year did you end up sticking to? 

No judgment, we didn't do great either.

The issue with most good resolutions resides in the fact that when we set goals that are too hard to achieve, we completely lose track and go back to bad habits.

Instead, we have decided to start 2021 with a list of achievable rules that are easy to follow and not insanely strict. Here they are:

Drink more water

We all know at that stage how important it is to remain hydrated all day long, both for our performance and overall healthiness. Yet we often end up realising we barely drank anything at the end of the day. 

This year, let's try and always have a water bottle with us and set up a reminder to drink regularly during the day. 

Eating mindfully

No to stuffing our face with food without even realising we ate anything. When you eat, try and make sure you focus on what is on your plate, enjoy the taste and take time to chew.

This will prevent overeating and bad digestion. 

Finding a physical activity we actually enjoy

If going to the gym to swing a kettlebell or pedalling like a mad person sounds like a real struggle to you, find an activity that doesn't feel like a workout and that you do enjoy: dance, walk, volleyball, yoga… 

Try different things until you find what works for you. 

Eat when you are hungry

We know, this sounds quite obvious right? But when you think about it, how often do you see yourself putting food in your mouth without even being hungry? Yes, a lot. 

Remember, your body is not a bin. Eating whatever you want, but only when you are hungry, is the best way to maintain a healthy weight. 

Eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible

The idea isn't to ONLY eat fruits and veggies but to make sure you get your daily dose of nutrients.

Make sure every single one of your meal includes some plant-based food. Even better, make veggies the centre of your meal. 

Get cooking!

Cooking your own food is the best way to know exactly what is in your plate! Whenever possible, cook your own dinner and bring your lunchbox to work.

This will save you loads of money and maybe, who knows, you might actually enjoy it!

Trending

by

Many of us began the year on a health and fitness kick. I say 'us', I don't actually mean ourselves included. Most people are still couch potatoes and the passing of time won't do much to change that.

80 percent of people will have abandoned their New Year's resolutions by February, which is a pretty high statistic.

The only thing that could tempt us to change our deviant ways and embrace the health kick is…luxurious travel destinations. Luckily for you gals, we've discovered the best value deals for your health-focused trips.

fail neil patrick harris GIF by bubly

Travel Republic have helped us to bring wellness to the forefront of our priorities…by having a selection of INSANELY stunning destinations to lure us towards.

Health and rejuvenation are the goal, and now it's never been easier to take a relaxing post-January break which doesn't negatively impact your lifestyle choices.

Sounds good to us, so what are the winners?

1. Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa: Killarney, Co .Kerry

The Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa is unbelievably magical, and offers unparalleled luxury overlooking the world-famous lakes of Killarney.

The spa at Aghadoe is honestly an oasis of pure serenity; the 10,000 square foot Resort Spa has 11 treatment rooms, relaxation areas, couples suites and a THERMAL SUITE.

The hotel has a fully equipped gym, conservatory-style indoor pool and outdoor terrace and some stunning local hikes and walking trails to enjoy.

If it's good enough for Gary Barlow, it's good enough for us:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa (@aghadoeheights) on

2. RedLevel at Melia Palacio de Isora – Tenerife

This is next-level privacy chic, and it's adults ONLY. The RedLevel at Melia Palacio de Isadora is located beside the Tenerife sea, where the excellent service and facilities will give you a classy, unique stay.

The destination has the elite SPA by Clarins on offer, as well as a private pool surrounded by Bali beds and a Pool Concierge service for the infinity pool. They also boast the LARGEST saltwater hotel pool in Europe, at a 5,000m2.

If you need the perfect place for relaxed rejuvenation with the best food you can buy, total seclusion and dazzling sunshine, this one's a winner. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and embrace the wellness, if you've got the cash, that is.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  on

3. 137 Pillars House: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Ah, our personal favourite. This destination is NEXT. LEVEL. GORGEOUSNESS.

If a far-flung and exotic setting is your biggest wish for the great escape, look no further than the beauty of Chiang Mai. The tropical Thai paradise is famed worldwide for it's calm and serene vibe, and private space.

Nestled in lush scenery, the hotel boasts a luxurious spa, yoga classes, tropical gardens, a drool-worthy pool, a gym….and Tai Chi. Wowza.

The hotel has a variety of wellness packages on offer to suit the needs of every traveller; it's the ideal health-driven retreat. There are also millions of elephant sanctuaries nestled in Chiang Mai which make the perfect tourist treat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai (@137pillarshouse) on

 4. Taj Bentota Resort & Spa – Bentota, Sri Lanka

The Golden Mile of Bentota beach is something of a gem, nestled along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

The setting is totally unique, with the hotel overlooking the idyllic Indian Ocean and only 40 miles south of Colombo; Sri Lanka's capital.

The relaxing resort comprises 162 rooms with sea or garden views, vistas of the Indian Ocean of the lush vegetation of the tropical shrubbery around the building. They've got two tennis courts, a health club with a steam bath and sauna and a fully-equipped gym. Oh, and don't forget about the outdoor swimming pool, a poolside snack bar and games.

Asia's most exotic sanctuary is without a doubt a great decision for those wellness and health fanatics out there to enjoy:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Munzir Khan (@munzir_khan) on

5. Hotel Palazzo Montemartini: Rome, Italy

JUST LOOK AT THE POOL.

The prestigious Palazzo Montemartini is a boujée five-star hotel in central Rome, within walking distance from Termini Station, Baths of Diocletian and Michaelangelo's church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Need we say more?

It's the ONLY hotel in Rome crossed by the Servian Walls, built way back in the sixth century BC. Wellness and holiday fans can find unique high-tech elegance in the location, with 82 rooms and suites and the ultra-exclusive Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar

The exclusive SPA ExPure has pure unforgettable moments of relaxation. They've got massage and treatment rooms, colour therapy showers, heated swimming pools, saunas and Turkish baths. The dream.

We. Are. Drooling. It's the destination we want, but also the destination we NEED. 

There you have it, ladies and gents. The top five wellness and health destinations the world can offer, with opulent, lavish and sumptuous locations for y'all to visit.

You deserve this level of decadence, plus you'd achieve the most EXTRA of Instagram snaps.

Retreat to these magical destinations and never look back. Actually, screw that. Just don't ever leave? 

abc season 12 jordan spa the bachelorette GIF

Trending

by

Whether you're avoiding sweet treating, ditching the booze or trying your hand at Veganuary, well done you if the integrity of your New Year's Resolution has remained intact. 

However, we regret to inform you that tomorrow is the day that most people fall of the wagon. 

According to Deliveroo, on Wednesday they are set to see a significant jump in orders of alcohol and sweet treats – hardly a coincidence? 

17 days without gin and tonics or refined sugars is enough of a detox for us, thanks. 

The exact time people give into temptation is in the magic half hour marker of 18.34pm.

When it comes to booze, Deliveroo saw a spike of 67% in prosecco, wine and beer orders during December but demand plummeted by 49% from January 1st, with many deciding to take part in Dry January.

Though it seems that two weeks, one day, eighteen hours and thirty four minutes is enough for Irish January teetotalers.

Veganuary is particularly popular this year, and those who partake seem to have more willpower than their alcohol or sugar abstaining resolutioners.

On average, Irish participants of the plant-based effort last the entire month.

Deliveroo reports a whopping 203% increase in the number of vegan dishes ordered on Deliveroo in comparison with January 2018.

However, last February there was an increase of 53% in burger orders as many went back to their omnivore diet. Deliveroo predicts another increase this February 1st, when Veganuary ends.

Whether you're ready to throw in the towel right now or have disbanded your resolution days ago, we have to say that one evening of indulgence won't ruin the entire diet and exercise plan you have going on. 

However, if you manage to soldier on through the day of retracted resolutions with your's intact, then fair play. 

We know what we'll be choosing… *opens Deliveroo app* 

Trending

by

There's something about January that makes people feel the need to search for the next love of their life, apparently.

Maybe the new year just makes us feel just a lil bit… broody? The first Sunday of the new year happens to be the most popular online dating day of the calendar year, according to Hinge.

Whether you're hungry for a new job, a new place to settle or a new gal or guy to send all of our heart emojis to, the turning of time urges us to reevaluate parts of our lives which may feel lacking in some way.

tv land tinder GIF by YoungerTV

January 6 is so popular in terms of online dating apps that it has been dubbed "Dating Sunday", and industry experts are predicting that 2019 will be bigger than ever for the online love world.

Hinge analysed activity data from 2016 until 2018, and saw a massive spike in conversations, as well as far more dates being arranged and a much higher messaging response rate. Gas.

In 2017 there was an increase of 41 percent of people who began conversations on Dating Sunday than the week before- and in 2018 that figure rose to 59 percent. Jaysis, these numbers don't lie, do they?

perfect match art by GIF IT UP

62 percent more users set up dates on Dating Sunday in 2018, and Hinge also reported increased in daily user activity, with 20 percent more conversations being carried out and a 36 percent higher message response rate.

Singles who are seeking love clearly become influenced after Christmas ends and the parties simmer down, will you be swiping right today?

We might just go and update those profile pictures seeing as the competition is higher… bring on the messages, lads.

fox tv GIF by STAR

We're ready for it. *Winks*

Trending

by

If the New Year has the wheels in motion for a brand new you – you may want to consider Thalia Heffernan's thoughts on the whole idea.

The Irish model expressed her feelings about New Year's resolutions on social media and it's massively refreshing.

As everyone larks on about their plans for the New Year and everything they're going to change – you might be feeling the pressure.

We are all guilty of trying to stick to resolutions but social media tends to put additional emphasis on succeeding to achieve a new, perfect you.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ThaliaAngelHeffernan (@thaliaheffernan) on

Cutting into the bullsh*t of the tradition, Thalia reminds everyone that in the grand scheme of things, it's just another day.

"I know I’m technically a day, or two, late.. yet despite this being inadvertent (or so I thought) I now think that there’s a good reason for it. The New Year is, of course, a good place to ‘Start’.. a grander version of the Monday so to speak.."

"But with this little box and small space, I want to share some of my truth- instead of filling you with the weight of the aspirations and resolutions that are being thrown around… It’s just another day," she wrote.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ThaliaAngelHeffernan (@thaliaheffernan) on

That doesn't mean that she is discouraging you from wanting to reach your goals, but she puts the notion of resolutions into perspective and issues a reminder not to pressurise yourself in attempting to achieve the better version of yourself.

"Now, I mean that in the most inspirational way possible! Every single day you wake up is a blessing in itself. However, please don’t put yourself under strain because of a date in a calendar, a benchmark set by society, because you are more than that," she explained.

"I know I struggle with the concept of being a ‘new me’ due to an annual change, and I also know that I shouldn’t. So I guess I’m just saying that a New Year, or a Monday, or because your sister, cousin or best friend is doing something doesn’t mean that it’s right for you," she added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ThaliaAngelHeffernan (@thaliaheffernan) on

Wrapping up the inspiring caption, Thalia dished up some good ole self-love and encouragement.

"And a day in the year certainly shouldn’t demand you to be a ‘better’ version of yourself. You be whatever and whoever the hell you want to be and love every second," she said.

We honestly couldn't agree more, we just wished that more people on social media would adopt this idea, instead of cashing-in on the tradition.

Trending

by

Every New Year, people make ambition lists of what they want to change in the next 12 months.

Most put a lot of pressure on themselves to live up to the phrase, "New Year, new you."

We are all guilty of it, but I think we should all take a leap from Stacey Solomon's book.

In an Instagram post, she detailed exactly what she is going to do for 2019 and it sounds divine.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Stacey Solomon (@staceysolomon) on

There's no gym, self-help or crazy diet plan in sight.

Revealing her plans, she captioned a picture of Joe and herself chilling out and tucking into some good drink and food.

"Start as you mean to go on… I’ll be spending most of 2019… In my pj’s, eating my favourite things, staring at the love of my life. So that’s what I’m doing tonight to bring in the New Year," she wrote – YAS, gal. 

Now they are plans we can certainly stick to in 2019.

Stacey also added: "HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours. May 2019 bring you health and happiness and all that you desire. Thank you 2018, it’s been incredible. Here we go 2019 can’t wait!"

In her Instagram stories, like always the TV presenter was bloody hilarious. 

The champagne was clearly not to everyone's taste, as she posted a picture of her boyfriend, Joe Swash looking less than impressed.

Trolling him, she wrote: "When your champagne tells you what's in store for 2019 @realjoeswashy."

We've all been there Joe.

Trending

by

After a month full of office chocolates and late nights with friends, it's not hard to see why many of us attempt to embrace a healthier lifestyle once January rolls around.

It's a time to let go of old habits and make positive changes in our lives – but just like most things that are good for us, it's easier said than done.

But never fear, because The Happy Pear wants to help you start 2018 on the right foot.

Running from Monday January 8 to Sunday February 4 at The Happy Pear's Clondalkin location, the Happy Heart course will help participants improve their health through a whole food and plant-based approach to eating.

For just €149, the course is delivered both online and in the classroom and has been designed to help participants learn how to make delicious and easy food that will boost energy levels, perk up health, lower cholesterol, and promote weight loss.

The Happy Pear founders, Dave and Steve, have supported thousands of people to make healthier eating and lifestyle choices through this course over the years.

Those who have successful completed the lessons have had great results including an average 20% drop in cholesterol, lower blood pressure, weight loss and renewed energy, and all through food.

The NEW blended Happy Heart online and classroom course in Clondalkin includes:

  • Access to The Happy Heart online course for 8 weeks

  • Two evenings of demonstrations at The Happy Pear, Round Tower, with Dave and Steve, plus the chance to taste lots of delicious plant-based food (on Monday 8th and Monday 29th January, 7 – 9pm)

  • Two 'Happy Heart Meetup' evenings with guest speakers (on Wednesday 17th and 24th January, 7.30 – 9pm)

  • Access to online whole food and plant-based recipes, videos, meal plans, shopping list and nutritional information  

  • Two live Q&A sessions with Dave and Steve

  • Access to an online Facebook group of other Happy Hearters plus additional support with our online Happy Heart team.

The Happy Heart course also runs as an online-only course (without the four classroom dates) and is currently available for a limited time only at the discounted price of €79 using the promo code HAPPYYOU – see here for more details.

Trending

by

While some people are lucky enough to have held onto childhood friends long into their adult years, most of us have simply grown apart from our older pals as time goes on.

As a kid, everyone was a potential friend. Interests and opinions didn’t come into it, and as long as you were happy to share your toys you were perfect friend material. Growing older, we placed a little more weight on our friendships – remember how important it was in school to have someone you could call your BFF?

I can remember at least five different girls who I would have called my “best friend” at one time or another during my school years. Although luckily there’s no bad blood between any of us, I can’t remember the last time I spoke to any of them. And to make things worse, if I did bump into them on the street I fear it would be very, very awkward. How could we catch up on ten years in a single conversation? Would we even have anything to talk about, bar our former obsession with Boyzone?

I hate knowing that there are people out there who I was once close to but have zero contact with now. That’s why I’m going to make 2015 the year I change that. Forget dieting or healthy eating, my resolution this year will be all about making the effort with old friends. I’m not expecting to get back to the BFF zone of course, but I’d love to build up some contact with forgotten pals all the same.

Whether it’s a Facebook message, or a birthday card, or even (GASP) arranging to meet them, I really don’t see any downside to the plan. Yes it’s been a while and we might have grown up and changed along the way, but that’s not a reason to avoid seeing someone.

It’s true that it becomes harder to make new friends as you grow older. School and college years were full of potential new pals, but unless you plan on travelling the world or changing job every six months, there are not a whole lot of opportunities to meet new people once you hit adult life. But what about those old friends we’ve left behind? Wouldn’t it be great to hit things off with them all over again?

A new year is as good a time as any to rebuild old connections and to make new ones too. So why not track down that school friend or childhood bestie that you haven’t spoken to in years? Maybe things ended badly or maybe the relationship just faded out, but after all this time there’s no reason why you can’t both give things a second chance.

Trending

by

The end of the year is always a time for reflection about the months gone by. We look back on what’s happened over the last 52 weeks, we tune into all the “best of” shows and we wonder how the days came and went so fast.

December is also a month when we begin to think about the year ahead, and set new goals to replace ones that might have fallen by the wayside over the last while. We’ll definitely lose that stubborn extra stone this year, or finally get back to the gym, and we definitely WON’T be smoking/eating takeaways/getting stupidly drunk in 2015. Definitely not.

January is a great opportunity for a fresh start. As the year draws to a close it’s easy to slack off on our diet or fitness regime, or stop giving 100% at work. We say we’ll do better next year. No need to worry just yet.

But when you think about it, January is just another date on a calendar. If we really do want to make 2015 the year of self-improvement, why wait nearly three weeks to start? If our aim is to really get on top of things and start holding ourselves accountable, then why not start doing that right now?

Not only will we be giving ourselves a fighting chance at actually achieving our goals, but we’ll have a wealth of preparation behind us. So if you’re considering getting back into the gym, research prices now and check out the facilities in your area. If you’re planning a new healthy eating regime, try to exercise more restraint than usual over the next few weeks, so January’s crazy diet plan isn’t a total shock to your system.  

If you already know what you want to achieve, let tomorrow be your new start and not some arbitrary date next month. You don’t have to go into full-on dedication mode, but allow yourself to get used to the idea of a new you. It will make things so much easier in January, believe me.

Yes, a start date that just so happens to be the first day of a new year certainly has a good ring to it. But why put that pressure on yourself? If you could enter the New Year having actually made a start, no matter how small, on your 2015 goals, you’d feel so much more at ease about what lies ahead.

So let’s stop calling them New Year’s resolutions. They’re simply our resolutions, our goals and our hopes. And they can be achieved at any time, not just when the clock strikes midnight on January 1st.

 

Trending

by

“I’m fine.”

Those two little words will sound familiar to any girl who’s ever held back her feelings in a relationship. Whether you mutter them through gritted teeth just before you sit down with friends for dinner, or say them lying in bed after an argument, we’ve all used the “I’m fine” trick once or twice.

The thing is though, by saying “I’m fine,” we are just giving our partners an easy way out. We may assume that by saying the words in a certain tone or with angry body language it should be obvious that we are most certainly NOT fine right now… but in all likelihood it’s probably only clear to us.

We say, “I’m fine,” so we must be alright. But by using those words, we are just withholding the truth. If you’re not fine, but you aren’t in the mood for confrontation right now, why not say exactly that? Why pretend that everything is okay?

It’s not the words themselves that are the problem – there are many different versions of the “I’m fine” lie – but simply the fact that we are holding back our feelings at all.

Often we keep our feelings tucked away because we’re worried about the reaction. Why stir things up when we could just gloss over it? But if something upsets you, it’s worth discussing. If something bothers you, it’s important for that reason alone. What affects you should affect your partner too. Our emotions are valid and when something’s not right we shouldn’t just let it go.

If someone cares about you, they shouldn’t make you feel like you can’t express your emotions. Sure, sometimes a full-on discussion just isn’t appropriate, in a public place or at a gathering with friends, for example. But that’s no reason to pretend things are fine when they’re not. It’s okay to say, “what you did just now really upset me, can we talk about it later?” It’s alright to say, “That hurt me.”

Us ladies have a big complex about being thought of as cray-cray. We’d do anything to avoid being “that girl,” the high maintenance and demanding girlfriend who always seems to have a problem with something. But having negative feelings does not make you crazy. What makes you crazy is holding them in and pretending that everything’s just perfect.

Next time something’s bothering you, avoid the silent treatment and just let your other half know what’s up. Yes, it might cause stress or heated words in the short term, but it’s a far better option than saying nothing and waiting for those bottled up emotions to explode further down the line. Make being open your New Year’s resolution and remember that no issue is too big or too small to talk about with someone you love.

Trending
© Copyright 2012-2024 - Shemazing.net. Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology.