For me, 2013 is all about changing how I approach life...
Strike a better work/life balanceI think we are all guilty of this - not leaving work at work, or working for too long. Being a teacher I always have work to do, be it lesson planning, marking, progress reports or the endless amount of admin that goes alongside teaching. I am now in my second year of teaching, but still find myself working almost every evening and all day Sunday. In fact, Saturday is my only 'me' time! Now I live with my boyfriend, I realize that this isn't ideal - when you're on your own you can just get on with it and not have to worry about anyone else/your lack of social life. When you live with someone however you realize that it's not particularly fair on them (they didn't sign up to that!)... or you. So this year, I am going to learn when to say 'no more' and organize my time better. Although it is inevitable I have to work some evenings (that is the nature of my job, I suppose it's what I signed up for) I am going to try to have a couple of nights a week where I don't do anything. Not only for my relationship, but for my own mental health!
Give more time to keeping fitNow, this is a tough one. I don't want to do what myself and others do year upon year and say this year I will lose X amount of weight. This just never happens, and the amount suggested is never attainable meaning the resolution/goal is more likely to be abandoned early on. This year, I want to give myself more time to keep fit. I suppose this is linked to the last resolution - I joined a gym after we moved, and when I'm not working I am really good at going regularly, and actually really enjoy it. But during term-time I am just so busy and work so late I don't find the time to go. This year I am going to make sure I go at least twice (ideally three times) a week. As I say, I do actually enjoy the gym... once I'm there! I do want to lose weight, tone up and get back to looking and feeling my best. I hate feeling body-conscious, especially in the warmer months. Year on year I say I'm going to diet/lose weight/be healthier, but am always left disappointed. This year I want to turn it around, and not by going on a fad diet or fitness regime (cabbage soup diet and 30 day shred I'm looking at you guys) but by allowing myself time to go to the gym and enjoy keeping fit. I always feel so proud of myself when I've been to the gym!I was lucky enough to win some Zaggora hotpants last year, and to my shame have not worn them yet. Going to start the two week challenge!
TravelIt is so easy to get sucked up in your bubble isn't it? What with everything that goes on in day-to-day life, money worries and workloads, it is easy to not bother with venturing further afield! This year I need to remember I work hard for my wage, and shouldn't feel guilty spending it... and not just in Topshop.When I finished my PGCE, Kat and I went on a month-long trip to Malaysia and Indonesia for the ultimate relaxing break (I blogged about it here) and ever since I've been craving tropical locations. Last summer Rich and I couldn't afford a long-haul trip, but went to Spain for a week of moderately priced sunshine. As lovely as it was, we came to the realisation that we are totally over package holidays to less-than ideal locations for an overpriced sum. So this year, we are planning to spend a couple of weeks in Malaysia on some of the idyllic islands. The picture above was taken in the Perhentian islands with Kat which was just heaven on earth - this year Rich and I hope to go to Langkawi (after years of swooning over Christing's gorgeous snaps) and maybe Redang. We're also going to the not-so-tropical but equally fun Edinburgh in the February half term - I need to make the most of the amazing holidays I get as a teacher!What are your new years resolutions?