Are You Burned Out on New Year's Resolutions?

Happy New Year! Growl.

I don't mean to be a New Year's Grinch, but I'm curious: Am I the only one who feels a little burned out by the holidays?

Don't get me wrong, I had a great time. It was great to see family, prepare meals, sight-see, run to events, and have lots of new experiences. And that can be energizing, but it can also be exhausting.

And then you're hit with the annual 'Now you have to have 70 resolutions to start the year'. And Number 1 is invariably a diet, fueled by all the holiday eating. Again? Sigh.

And yet I absolutely believe in the statement attributed to Oprah Winfrey:

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

But I didn't hate 2011. Am I the only one? It's not that I want to hang onto it. But I want to move into the next year thoughtfully – so there's more to celebrate – rather than hurtling headlong into resolutions that will wear me out before I've even completed one or two. And then give up altogether. (I wonder if there's a graveyard of dead resolutions?)

So I'm suggesting you do that too – if it feels right.

We'll look at a few new things you could try or can do if you want to.

A word about resistance though.
This thoughtful approach is not pessimistic. One thing I did try to do over the holidays is to introduce friends and family to a few new things. Simple things. Like taking a bath.

I gave everyone a LUSH bath bomb suited to the personality, a robot for my nephew, Rose Queen for my mum, Sex Bomb for my sister-in-law (maybe more a present for my brother), Honey Lumps for another brother.

You cannot imagine the pushback I got –- for a bath! "I'm not doing that… it's boring … it gives me a rash… " Waah, waah, waah....

But I insisted, and every single one of them loved it so much they wanted another, or didn't want to get out. A few of them couldn't remember allowing themselves to get that relaxed in a looong time. And they got softer skin as an added bonus. Sometimes in trying something new everybody wins.

Another plan: Introducing everyone to Restorative Yoga. My teacher, Linda Michelson, arranged a special class (so everyone could come, kids too) at the gorgeous Exhale Spa on Central Park South.

Restorative Yoga is relatively new to me too. I always think, if I'm not burning calories, why bother. But I soon learned that the body needs more than just calorie burn. I call it a series of naps in different positions, but it has subtle healing effects too. In the fall, I had thrown my back out but went anyway, and was pain free by the time I left!

The family resisted (I apparently earned no traction with the bath triumph). One brother came through though, the 6'4" stallion with bad back problems. And he became a convert – one down, the rest next!

My point is, it's much easier to not do something new than to do it. But now is not the time to miss out on life. Now is the time to reflect on all the things you haven't done and start trying some, one by one.

I began with the Grinch, but to quote another Dr. Seuss character:

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose."
   — from Oh, the Places You'll Go!

So here we go, gently into this New Year. All you need to begin is a deep breath and a curious consciousness. An attitude of gratitude helps a lot too.

Here is last year's list of resolutions. They are still absolutely relevant for me, and I'll bet for you too. (Any completers out there? I want to hear from you, on how you did it!)

You will build up steam, and energy, and traction, and positive momentum with each new idea you consider. Then maybe you'll resemble, even i if only in spirit these pictures I liked of Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay (of Law & Order: SVU). They look like they're really having a good time and enjoying each other's company.

That's a good goal. What are yours?

More Lifestyle changes that will feel good:
New Year's Resolution Ramp-Up
Entertaining with Style & Grace
Embracing Voluptuousness
The Boot Camp Saga
How To Be Exhausted in Style
Who Has All the Answers?