Slowing Down in 2018 - By Tara Dennis

As the New Year rolls in, we feel compelled to make big resolutions that can be hard to keep once we get back into everyday routines. Before we know it, the year is half over and we feel guilty for forgetting those big promises we made to ourselves. This needn’t be the case! With a little bit of planning, you can become more effective and productive, and have more time to enjoy the simple, special things!

 

It's all in the planning

This year, I’m all about planning. A yearly planner or a diary is so useful for plotting out all of the big, important things that you need to achieve in the year ahead. Once you’ve filled these in, it’s easy to see the gaps to fill in the small details.

 

Take time to consider your priorities

It’s easy to fill a diary with the things we have to do, especially as so much of our daily life is driven by our work. Make sure your planning includes some downtime spent with family and friends too! Fill your calendar with the things that are most important to you first, and you will find that it is then easier to fit the smaller things around them.

 

Form routines

As the year gets busier, it can be easy to lose track of your planning. Forming routines early on in the year will help you stay calm and on-track. Take some time each night to prepare yourself for the following day. For me, that often means making lunches or getting clothes ready - sounds dull, but it’s amazing how much time this can save! Instead of rushing around in the mornings, being prepared means having some extra downtime for a cup of tea and time to reflect, or breakfast with my family.

 

Relax and unwind

While we’re onto forming routines, make sure you schedule in some time to regularly relax and unwind. This could be anything from a cup of tea at a quiet time in your day, to a weekly bath with your favourite candles burning. Whatever it is that helps you unwind, make sure you take the time to slow down and enjoy it whenever you can!

Just a few simple things can make a big difference to the year ahead, and these are resolutions that are easy to keep! All the best for a happy new year in 2018!