I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. I think it’s better to make a change at a convenient time or season for you. In many ways it’s easier to be more active as spring takes hold, so that’s a good time for exercise and diet resolutions. September often feels like a good place in the year to make a new start. The kids are going back to school and it makes sense to buckle down yourself and do something different. This particularly works well for education and job related resolutions. A friend who is a counsellor says that she often sees an increase in uptake in September too as it’s easier to put your troubles to one side when the sun is shining.
As many as 73% of Britons believe the concept of making a New Year’s Resolution is old fashioned and outdated, with 44% admitting they have never once stuck to one in the past.
In fact, when Brits have made a New Year’s promise, it usually only lasts until the TENTH of January (average), according to the 2,000 surveyed by SuperNutrio Milk.
And the research reveals the top resolutions Brits feel are outdated, with hitting the gym every day in Jan (38%), strict diets (38%) and going sober (36%) topping the list.
More than a quarter have promised NOT to give up sweets or chocolate (28%), while 27% will be carrying on having nights out in January, and the same percentage will REFUSE to save all their spare cash.
We will also NOT stop gossiping (24%), ditch junk food (24%) or cut out sugar (24%) – and we certainly won’t be drinking two litres of water a day (20%) or going vegan (19%).
In fact, 50% of those surveyed say they already eat healthy mostly, while 28% don’t need to make the gym a resolution, as they already go.
41% of moderate Brits say they already limit their sugar intake, while 33% are moderate drinkers, meaning Dry January is not on the cards.
Overall Brits are taking a more moderate approach, with 58% saying it’s easier to focus on small positive habits than drastic substantial changes, which we’ll never stick to.
Behavioural Psychologist, Jo Hemmings commented: “Traditional New Year’s resolutions often fail because they demand sweeping changes in lives that are already stretched. With demanding jobs, family commitments and constant digital noise, all-or-nothing goals can feel more punishing than empowering.
“We’re now seeing people adopt smaller, achievable intentions instead and psychologically, this is far more effective. These incremental changes reduce pressure, build momentum and, importantly, help people recognise their own version of progress. That boost in self-belief is what helps them feel stronger, day by day. Making simple swaps in everyday routines can be a powerful way to put that into practice. ”
Almost eight in ten (79%) of the Brits surveyed said they try and have a year-round fitness and wellness routine, with daily walks (61%), cooking healthy meals from scratch (37%) and not eating too many puddings or cakes (29%) some of the ways we stay healthy.
While a quarter try and hit their daily protein goals, 23% already take a multivitamin every day, and 27% eat their five a day.
TOP RESOLUTIONS BRITS WILL NOT BE MAKING THIS JANUARY
1. Working out seven days a week 38%
2. Following a strict diet 38%
3. Quitting drinking completely 36%
4. Not eating chocolate or sweets 28%
5. Not going out at all in Jan 27%
6. Saving all your spare cash 27%
7. Ditching all junk food and takeaways 24%
8. No gossiping 24%
9. Cutting out sugar 24%
10. Drinking two litres a day 20%
11. Going vegan 19%
12. Setting out to find ‘the one’ 19%
13. Stopping or limiting the amount of TV you watch 19%
14. Meditating every day 18%
15. Cutting out processed food 18%
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