I hope you had a peaceful break and managed to take some rest.
New Year is traditionally the time of “New Year, New Me” – when we make big resolutions to change our lives, become a new person.
Every January, millions of us, filled with chocolate and Christmas cake and feeling like we need to do something, make a host of resolutions…
… but by February, around 80% of us have abandoned our resolutions.
That doesn’t sound very “mental sunshine” does it?
That’s exactly the reason I’m telling you this!
When we make a big change, it’s hard to stick with
And when we fail, we feel bad about ourselves.
Instead, why not look at making one small, manageable change?
A smaller change is easier to stick to – and every time you stick to it, you bring yourself more mental sunshine!
A key thing to consider is that a new habit sticks best when you attach it to something you already do.
If you want to start taking vitamins every day, keep the pot next to your kettle – if you’re a coffee or tea lover, you’re unlikely to forget to boil the kettle!
If you want to start flossing every day, keep the floss right next to the toothpaste.
Dr Rangan Chatterjee famously keeps a kettlebell in his kitchen, so that he can do a workout while he waits for his morning coffee to brew.
Make it easier for yourself, and you’re more likely to stick with it.
Whatever changes you’re looking to make in your life for 2026, I hope they involve bringing more mental sunshine into your life – it’s something we all need.
Of course, you can do that by reading my weekly emails!