Now that the new year is here, there are a few things on our minds. First of all is the thought of a clean slate and the optimism of what this new year will bring, and the second is how we can be better people this year.

I’ve thought long and hard about what changes I want to make to my lifestyle this year, and so far there are a few clear things I want to achieve

• Eat a balanced diet
• Become stronger
• Stay organised
• Make time to read

All of these things are small and are what I want to bring into my every day life, and here’s how I have incorporated them so far…

First up: exercise

This year has kind of been a big switch for me mentally. I have been trying to lose weight and become healthier for years and years, but there has always been something in my way. Now that I’m in my own house and I work from home, my mental state is better than it has ever been, so that barrier seems to have lifted. For the last few months I have been taking the opportunity while Sam goes out to the gym to do my own workouts at home. I will usually start off with a yoga session as a sort of warmup, and then move on to a YouTube workout with some of my favourite YouTubers. The ones I’m loving at the moment are Marie Lymburner and Sarah’s Day.

Secondly: healthier eating

Technically this isn’t eating, but it is still an essential part of a healthy diet in my opinion. I have been drinking lemon water for over a year at this point, so for me it has become a habit already- but I thought it would be nice to still add this onto here for you guys, I have actually got some variations of this water on my blog already.

Apart from drinking enough water in the day, I have also been trying to come up with new recipes for Sam and I during the week. Over the last few months since we’ve moved here, I have to say we’ve had our fair share of takeaways, but that’s stopping as of now. I love to cook, so for me it isn’t a struggle to get in the kitchen and brainstorm new ideas. My aim is not to go on a fad diet and give up in a few months, it is to do everything in moderation. For example, last week we had lasagne as a treat, and then for the other days of the week we had bolognese, quorn wraps and tomato soup. For me it is about keeping the foods we love, but just not having them every single day.

Next: making time to read

I love to read, and for me there is nothing better than feeling those pages in between your fingers. Don’t get me wrong, reading on my iPad is fine, but it’s nothing compared to actually holding a book. In the past year or so I seem to have lost my way with reading, and it’s something I want to get back on track with this year. Partly because it is relaxing, but partly because it will help give me inspiration to write.

Finally: getting organised

My bullet journal has been a large figure in my life for the past year or so, but I haven’t really touched it for a few months. My aim this year is to get back on the bandwagon and get myself more organised in life. Whether it be reminding me to take the bins out or thinking up new blog posts for you guys!

I’d love to know what habits you want to introduce into your lives this year, let me know!