January is right around the corner and despite some leftover Christmas food and drink still lingering in fridges and cupboards across the country, many may be counting down the days until they can start afresh.
Scots might be manically vacuuming pine needles and Googling ‘healthy recipes,’ having vowed to abstain from the leftover sandwiches for another year – and these are among some of the signs that indicate a readiness to embrace a new year.
As many 72 per cent of Brits reach a point over Christmas where they can’t wait to return to a healthy routine, with 34 per cent pledging to get right back to it on January 2, according to a Hello Fresh nationwide poll.
Frantically tidying your home came out on top of the survey, with 38 per cent of Brits admitting to doing this and seeing it as a sign of being sick of ‘Twixmas’. One in four people admitted they were already keen to take down their Christmas tree, while a similar number said they were fed up with leftover sandwiches.
Looking ahead to the new year, 22 per cent said they have purchased a planner for 2025, while one in five people felt ready to hit the gym and get in shape.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado said maintaining post-holiday balance doesn’t just happen – you have to make it happen – and she has suggested a “game plan”. Dr Martha said: “This takes a little preparation but once you are set, it can build some healthy habits that you can continue throughout the year.”
Listening to healthy podcasts, dreaming of green vegetables, yearning for wild swimming and wanting to get dressed are other signs you are ready to kiss goodbye to December.
The top 10 are as follows:
- You’re frantically tidying and organising the house – 38%
- You cannot WAIT to tear the tree down – 25%
- You’re sick of leftover sandwiches – 24%
- You’ve purchased a new 2025 planner – 22%
- You’re ready to hit the gym – 20%
- You’ve thrown any leftover chocolate away – 18%
- You start pledging to cook wholesome food – 16%
- You have the desire to get up and dressed – 15%
- You’re craving water and herbal tea – 13%
- You’re nagging the children to do something constructive – 13%
To get back on track, Dr Martha suggests a number of strategies including investing a weekly calendar that helps the whole family know what happens when, such as PE days, non-uniform days, and when homework is due.
Reinstating regular dinner times are also a good way to add a little consistency to help everyone feel more grounded after the holiday buzz, and committing to moving your body, even if it’s just a simple walk or stretch.
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