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New Year resolutions are set up to make you fail.
Expecting to make massive life changes overnight and out of guilt is never going to last - and if you think about any of the times you have made significant changes to your life, you'll know it to be true.
Most of us change the way we live because we want a better way of living, not simply because we're unhappy with it. And often, it's a change made in small steps, not big gallumping ones.
Take the person who goes to the gym five times a day. We guarantee they didn't start off that way. They probably tried it once, went a couple more times and now it's an integral part of their lives because they kept going and it makes them feel good.
So in that spirit, the HuffPost UK Lifestyle team won't be making grand, sweeping gestures like giving up alcohol or swearing off bread. Instead, we're going to embrace the season of change and make small, daily adjustments to our lives.
The HuffPost UK Lifestyle team - that's Poorna Bell, editor, Brogan Driscoll, assistant editor, Rachel Moss, editorial assistant and Natasha Hinde, junior editorial assistant - will update it daily, and we'd love to hear your suggestions or attempts at personal change.
Today We Tried...
29 January: Try A New Breakfast - Brogan Driscoll(01 of29)
I tried branching away from my usual breakfast of choice (avocado mashed on rye bread). This is quinoa granola - aka QNOLA - with yoghurt and blueberries is both delicious and filling.
28 Jan - Ban Mobile Phone From The Bedroom - Rachel Moss(02 of29)
Depressingly, my mobile phone is the last thing I look at at night and the first thing I look at in the morning.Work emails, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are taking over my life (and making me a really boring person to live with).So for the #TodayWeTried challenge I banned my phone from the bedroom and used a good old fashion alarm clock to wake me up this morning. It's a small change that makes a big difference - I'd seriously recommend it.
27 Jan: Going Vegetarian For A Whole Day - Poorna Bell(03 of29)
Let's be clear - I've never gone fully vegetarian for a whole day. But increasingly I've been introducing it into meals at dinner time or lunch, and I like how it makes me feel. During my one day, I thought it would be a breeze but couldn't stop thinking about meat the entire time. Perhaps I need to brush up on my veggie food knowledge but I couldn't help feel that the main options were quite carb or cheese heavy. It was good for a day, and I'm glad I did it, but won't be repeating it again!
26 Jan: Cook A New Dish - Poorna Bell(04 of29)
Like most people I have a trusted stable of about five recipes that go on rotation during the week. But I wanted to try something different - not just another curry or a stew but something totally out of my comfort zone - baking. I've never baked bread before, and while I love the stuff I hate how bloated it makes me feel. In search for a grain free option I stumbled across Caroline Potter's Colorful Eats (it's an amazing blog) and came across this. I wondered how the hell eggs, psyllium husk and cocobut flour would ever be tasty but this was a total success.
25 Jan: Make A Raw Cake - Brogan Driscoll(05 of29)
This is my first attempt at a raw cake. (My first attempt at a cake full stop, actually.) This Raw Cashew Dreamcake is the raw foodist's version of a cheesecake. It's delicious and the recipe is idiot-proof - after all there's no risk of over-cooking when there is no cooking involved!
24 Jan: Do Something To De-Stress - Rachel Moss(06 of29)
I got given this Wreck This Journal for Christmas - clearly my boyfriend had cottoned on to the fact that I was feeling a little stressed.With instructions like "tear out this page and turn it into a paper aeroplane" on each page, the journal is deigned to offer some light-relief from day-to-day pressures. Despite loving the idea of this book when I opened it, it's been sitting on my bedside table untouched for the past month. I finally gave it a go for the #TodayWeTried challenge. It turns out wrecking a book is strangely therapeutic.
23 Jan: Tell My Mum What She Means To Me - Brogan Driscoll(07 of29)
Like most teenage girls, I was an absolute cow to my mum when I was younger. It's not something I'm proud of, in fact, I'm quite ashamed of being so difficult and ungrateful to someone who always means so well and has my best interests at heart.So I wanted to tell my mum how grateful I am to her, for everything she's done for me, for what she's taught me and, above all, for who she is. Thanks mum, you're great :)
22 Jan: Try Spinning Class - Natasha Hinde(08 of29)
I'm not a big fitness fan, but when the opportunity to try a Spinning class came along - I grabbed it with both hands. I've been intrigued by the idea of Spinning for quite a while now, but I've never had the "get up and go" mentality to just do it. There's always been something holding me back from trying it - maybe because it's so fast-paced and I didn't think my fitness levels would be up to it. Who knows...Anyway, I can safely say that after trying it, it wasn't half as scary as I thought it would be. Okay, so I'm now struggling to walk but I think the pain is definitely worth it as I felt super invigorated afterwards! No pain, no gain (and all that).
21 Jan: Stop Scrolling Instagram After 9pm - Poorna Bell(09 of29)
"Every night, I've dipped back into the bad habit of scrolling Instagram and Facebook. This literally eats into my reading-a-book time - consuming tons of information about other people's lives. "I hate myself for doing it but feel powerless, so as part of a new resolution, I'm going to stop doing it. It was hard, but I felt better for doing it!"
20 Jan: Try A New Fitness Class - Rachel Moss(10 of29)
I tend to play it pretty safe when it comes to fitness classes - I know the ones I like and go back time and time again. The #TodayWeTried challenge gave me the push I needed to get out of my comfort zone.I love dance fitness classes so decided to try Clubbercise - the new aerobics class where the lights are turned off and you workout to club classics under the dim light of glow sticks. I had a great time, met some new people and worked some long-forgotten muscles.I'm definitely going to try and shake up my fitness routine more often in 2015.
19 Jan: Walk To The Tube Station (Instead Of Getting The Bus) - Natasha Hinde(11 of29)
Getting up an extra 15 minutes early might seem like madness to some, but if it can help me become more active then I'm all for it. After all, inactivity leads to an early grave - or so scientists say!This morning I decided to get up a bit earlier in order to walk to my local tube station instead of getting the bus. The walk was pretty cold (but I made up for it with numerous layers of clothing) and I found the whole process rather invigorating. By the time I'd reached the tube, I was WIDE awake.I also made time, while I was walking, to actually take in the surrounding area - to look at what was going on around me. I realised that there are some beautiful little shops (a cute-looking florist included) which line the streets that I usually ignore because I'm either on the bus with steamed up windows or my face is buried in my phone.The whole experience has taught me to look up more - and to take these small periods of time to just switch off from everything and, well, walk! (credit:Natasha Hinde)
18 Jan: Bake Something Healthy - Natasha Hinde(12 of29)
I'm going to throw this out there - I'm not the greatest baker on the planet. I do, however, like the idea of baking. So, this weekend I decided to bake some healthy breakfast muffins to a) use up a load of old ingredients that were going out of date and b) just enjoy the stress-busting act that is baking.Using this recipe, I baked apple, blueberry and banana breakfast muffins with oats sprinkled on the top. They tasted delicious and kept me going for the majority of the day while I moved house. Here's to eating healthy and busting stress in the process! (credit:Natasha Hinde)
17 Jan: Watch A Classic Film - Brogan Driscoll(13 of29)
There are certain classic films that the world just expects you to have seen. Whether it's an multiple award-winner, an actor's breakthrough film or simply a cult classic, watching some films seems like a rite of passage into adulthood.But - it's about time I held my hands up to confess - there are a hell of a lot of films that I haven't seen. So in 2015, I'm going to address this and do some much needed catching-up. The first on my list was The Godfather. And it didn't disappoint.
16 Jan: Try Meditation - Rachel Moss(14 of29)
HuffPost UK Lifestyle write a fair amount about the benefits of meditation, so I've been meaning to try it myself for a while.The main thing putting me off was not knowing where to start. The #TodayWeTried series gave me the kick I needed to download the Headspace app for some help.The app includes guided meditation sessions that talk you through everything from how to control your breathing to how to block out distractions.I honestly felt far more calm after my first session, even though I found it fairly difficult to focus.I intend to keep practicing guided meditation until I crack it in 2015, then maybe I'll try a solo session (steady on!).
15 Jan: Do Something You've Always Wanted To Do - Brogan Driscoll(15 of29)
When The Lion King film came out in June 1994, I was six. I remember watching incessantly - and my Simba cuddly toy was my prized possession. Just over 20 years later, my family and I went to the Lyceum theatre to watch the stage show. It's something we've all wanted to do for a long time, but have never got round to. While it may have been long overdue, it didn't disappoint. I felt like I was six years old again. I still know all the words to the songs (and, embarrassingly, a lot of the dialogue), I still want to be Nala and I still have a massive crush on Simba.
14 Jan: Start My Daily Greatness Journal - Natasha Hinde(16 of29)
Since before Christmas, I've had a beautiful Daily Greatness journal sat on my desk in all of it's bright orange glory. Sadly, I haven't so much as touched it.I could fire a gazillion excuses as to why but, on this occasion, I'm going to run with the fact that I just haven't really found the time for such frivolous activity. I mean, where out of my day could I possibly spare 15 minutes to fill in a journal?Thankfully, the #TodayWeTried series has helped me to reposition my thoughts on this matter and has taught me that it's okay to make time to do things you enjoy - and to do things that can help you feel better about yourself in the long run. So, today I started it.The first page was all about forgiveness, and you're asked to write about one person you're willing to forgive and why. I can honestly say that taking ten minutes to put pen to paper and get these feelings out of my system was well worth it. It feels like a weight has been lifted. Next stop... 'My Achievements'. (credit:Natasha Hinde)
13 Jan: Try A New Smoothie - Brogan Driscoll(17 of29)
As part of my pledge to be more healthy in 2015, I'm determined to try a get more healthy green smoothies into my diet.This one features one handful of spinach, one small banana, one pear, one celery stick, water and a teaspoon of Neal's Yard Organic Greens Complex.Yum. (credit:Brogan Driscoll)
12 Jan: Get Up 15 Minutes Earlier Than Usual And Do Something Useful - Rachel Moss (18 of29)
I really wasn't looking forward to today's challenge. In the morning I usually do one of two things: hit snooze, or get straight up but stare into space for the next 20 minutes.Both result in me running to catch the train most days.Today is was on the early shift, meaning I had to be up at 6.15am. But instead of grumbling about the early start, I was challenged to get up 15 minutes earlier than necessary and do something useful with that time. I started my morning by sewing a button back on my coat. It sounds silly, but that coat has been bugging me for weeks and I haven't got round to fixing it.Then I read through my notes for today's meeting while drinking a fresh fruit smoothie - an improvement on my usual breakfast of Coco Pops and caffeine. I left for work feeling productive and ready for the day ahead. I'll be hitting snooze less often in 2015.
11 Jan: Writing A Letter To A Friend - Poorna Bell(19 of29)
In my loft, there are three sacks full of letters I wrote to my school friends. Despite seeing each other every day and talking on the landline (that was before the era of mobiles), we would write tiny notes and long, angsty letters to each other and WOE BETIDE you if you didn't come to school with a letter. Now letter writing has all but dropped off as a skill (thanks, computer), and I miss it. I miss the feel of paper and taking the time to ponder my words than spew them out. So here's my #TodayWeTried.
10 Jan: Making Time To Read Before Bed - Natasha Hinde(20 of29)
Bedtime is pretty routine for me nowadays. I'll browse Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (and the rest of 'em), then I'll set my alarm for the following day, turn the lights out and (attempt to) go to sleep. Recently, after speaking with a sleep specialist for a feature I was writing, I came to realise how the backlight from your device can play havoc with your sleeping pattern. This is because the lighting from your phone wakes your brain up more. Browsing Facebook and Twitter just before bed is not ideal at all.So, on Saturday night I decided to remove my phone from the bedtime equation completely and read a chapter of my book instead. I have to admit, it was SO good to be able to spend some quality time reading and I also found that it helped me to nod off quicker. As a result I'm happy to say that I'll be banishing my phone from bedtime far more in future. As for the book, it can stay. (credit:Tashahinde Instagram)
9 Jan: Trying An Adults Colouring Book - Brogan Driscoll(21 of29)
It must have been at least 15 years since I last picked up a colouring book.Typically reserved for children, adults seem to have forgotten how fun and relaxing this past time can be.Studies have shown that the art of colouring in can reduce stress and anxiety in adults - and as someone who gets both stressed and anxious, I thought I should give it a whirl.I started last night, after a particularly stressful encounter. At about 9pm last night the electricity blew upstairs while I was home alone - and I was too scared to go down to the basement alone to the fuse box. Luckily, I'd just purchased a new pack of felt tips and was able to get to work on this lovely tropical frog. Isn't he cute?And what's more I didn't even go over the lines. OK, maybe once or twice.
8 Jan: Call A Mate I Haven't Spoken To In A While - Rachel Moss(22 of29)
I met Amy (left) on my first day of uni - we hit it off straight away and were best mates by the end of our three years studying.She was the person who I cried with when I got dumped in first year and the person who danced on tables with me when I handed in my dissertation. In short, she's awesome. But despite getting on like a house on fire we've seen each other less and less since graduating in July 2013. As cheesy as it sounds, we were so busy trying to find our way in the world that we ended up losing each other. I hadn't seen or spoken to her since October (other than a couple of short texts). So I gave her a call. It was great to find out what's been happening in her life and arrange to have a proper, face to face, outing soon. In 2015 I'll be making more time for the people who matter the most (including this absolute beauty).
7 Jan: Bring In A Packed Lunch - Natasha Hinde(23 of29)
Since I began working at HuffPost UK, my lunch routine has been pretty shoddy.Over the past four months I've managed to spend a heck of a lot of money on gallons of soup from EAT and the occasional toastie from Pret (if I'm feeling flush). To start with, I blamed my dining-out addiction on the fact that I'd just moved to London and it was a totally new experience. After all, there's no time for making lunches when you have all of London to explore! Then, when that excuse eventually ran out, my lunch outings boiled down to a lack of fridge space at home. One and a half shelves is pretty hard to live with - especially when you've got to store for both lunch AND dinner.After that excuse fizzled out, it was the run up to Christmas and I simply became too busy to make sandwiches, salads and what not. I mean, who has time for that? (Disclaimer: Brogan our assistant editor does).Now, January is here and I finally feel that it's time to embrace the homemade lunches. I'm not making excuses anymore. It's time to step up to the plate tupperware.Today I brought in a packed lunch - in what I hope will be the first of many more to come. Usually I'd spend about £15 per week on lunches, that's £780 a year. Now I'm aiming to save that money for a rainy day instead - or maybe buy a new handbag. Yes, definitely a new handbag. (credit:Tashahinde / Instagram)
6 Jan: Go To Bed One Hour Earlier - Brogan Driscoll(24 of29)
I'm a perpetual night owl. On a weeknight I often find myself wide awake at midnight, despite having to be up at 6:30am the following day to go to work.We're constantly reminded that we need 7-8 hours sleep every night, but - like me - most of us ignore it. This year I intend to get more rest so that I can be more focused, creative and good tempered the following day.So at 9:30pm I got into bed and read my new book for an hour (see slide one) and it was lights out at 10:30pm (and that included my phone light too).This morning I woke up bright as a button - and while 10:30pm may not be a feasible bedtime every night, I'll certainly be hitting the hay a little earlier when I can.
5 Jan: Actually Make It To Ice Skating - Poorna Bell(25 of29)
I've been ice-skating a few times but the last couple of years I've intended to go and haven't. There are few things I like better, skating under a bright blue sky, usually in some amazing location (this year was Hampton Court Palace) with kids and adults toppling over.Despite the chaos, I find it serene.
4 Jan: Support Local Businesses - Rachel Moss(26 of29)
In 2014 I started a new job and moved house. Every Monday I got Tesco to deliver my food to my front door because I'd convinced myself that I was too busy to do anything else. Now that I'm more settled, I'd like to support local businesses in my new area.I got this bundle of food for under £5 from Cambridge market. My friends and I dug into this the tomato ciabatta loaf during the day (perfect with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping) and I used the veg for my roast in the evening.And I even have spares left for the week! I intend to become a market regular...
3 Jan: Cook Something New - Poorna Bell(27 of29)
I've been dying to try grain free bread, and my last attempt was a total failure - a quinoa loaf that still makes me gag. So I slipped into eating normal bread which makes me feel bloated and uncomfortable (yep, I like to over share). So I found this amazing recipe using coconut flour and psyllium husk by Caroline Potter at Colorful Eats, and it was easy, quick and tasted good. Best of all, I finally feel like I've got a good wheat free option for a foodstuff I love on a rainy day.
2 Jan: Get In Touch With My Hungarian Relatives - Natasha Hinde(28 of29)
It's difficult enough keeping in touch with relatives in the same country as you, but once they start to spread across the globe, things get ten times harder.My grandfather, on my mother's side, is Hungarian. He met and married my grandma in London way back when. They had three children together - my mum included - and here we are.My grandfather's brother, on the other hand, remained in Hungary where he started his own family. This means that I have a plethora of second and third cousins dotted around Budapest and the surrounding area - all of whom I met for the first time a couple of years ago.Since meeting them, I haven't maintained regular contact and it's something that I increasingly regret. So, last night I decided to write to them - via the means of Facebook (it's better that way as they can then copy, paste and Google translate what I have to say!) - to find out how they're doing, what they're up to these days, how my second cousins' little ones are, etc. I'm yet to hear back from them, but I'm really looking forward to hearing what they have to say. And for the five minutes which it took me to draft out and send them a message, I think the response will be well worth it! (credit:Natasha Hinde)
1 Jan: Start A New Book - Brogan Driscoll(29 of29)
There's nothing better than immersing yourself in a good book. Suddenly that 45 minute commute whizzes by, waiting for the friend who's always late becomes a pleasure and you even quit worrying about pointless things - because you'd sooner spend time with your nose in that page turner than fretting about something that might never happen.But, sadly, my 2014 came and went with only a handful of good books to show for itself - The Goldfinch, The Belljar, Thinking Fast And Slow, Thrive - and a whole lot of podcasts.I'd self-diagnosed myself as "too busy" to read - and boy do I regret it. For me, 2015 will be The Year Of The Book, starting with Eimear McBride's award-winning debut novel 'A Girl Is A Half-Formed Thing'.
HuffPost UK Lifestyle is running a monthly campaign called Say No To January, where we champion positive personal change, and rail against the idea of 'New Year, New You'. This is about celebrating yourself, inspiring you to try new things and figuring out what direction you'd like your life to go in.