Why We're Saying 'No' To January...

Instead of making New Year's Resolutions that are calling out to be broken or starting some miserable fad diet/seven-day detox/intensive exercise regime, we believe in making changes and improvements that are realistic and life-affirming.

Waking up on 1 January is a dark time for most of us. Not only are you (probably) nursing a gargantuan hangover from New Year's Eve, but those 31 consecutive days of December debauchery are starting to take their toll.

In times like these, the last thing you need to do is feel guilty about letting your hair down in December - but already Virtuous January will be rearing its smug, disapproving head.

That's why last year, while every other media publication was banging the 'New Year, New You' drum, HuffPost UK Lifestyle decided to launch our first 'Say No To January' campaign.

Why? Because we're firm believers that January should be a time of positivity - not punishment. I mean, who really cares if you ate 14 mince pies in one sitting over Christmas?

So instead of making New Year's Resolutions that are calling out to be broken or starting some miserable fad diet/seven-day detox/intensive exercise regime, we believe in making changes and improvements that are realistic and life-affirming.

This year we're starting an #AntiBlueMonday campaign where we'll share uplifting stories from around the world every week, publishing a range of healthy comfort foods to get you through the darkness and pledging to try something new every day for a month - whether that's meditation, volunteering or being more present with our loved ones.

Last year we had an overwhelming response from readers and bloggers who were keen to adopt a more upbeat outlook in January. From mindfulness to JOMO (the Joy Of Missing Out), we found a real appetite for positivity.

This year we're hoping to pick up the same momentum. So if anyone would like to contribute please get in touch with us here.

For me, January is about adopting a healthier lifestyle. Rather than denying myself every food that I enjoy, it's more of a gentle move towards healthy living. This is something I started in 2014 but I hope to build upon this year. I'm going to take better care of my body by getting more sleep, freshening up my tired exercise routine and eating better.

But on New Year's Day, when I'm nursing that aforementioned NYE hangover - I'll be tucking into an indulgent brunch and washing it down with a big old Bloody Mary - because, as I said before, January is no time to punish yourself.

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