As January draws to a close, many across the UK are reflecting on a month that has felt notably different for some key establishments. According to a recent article from The Guardian, this year’s Dry January is on track to be the driest ever, posing challenges for pubs and highlighting a shifting attitude towards alcohol consumption and wellness in society. With nearly a third of Brits setting New Year’s resolutions this year, there’s a palpable sense of commitment to self-improvement, as reported by Forbes, indicating a cultural trend towards personal betterment. However, beneath the surface, the nature of these resolutions is evolving, reflecting a deeper understanding of wellness and self-care.
In a world where the pursuit of wellness is constantly evolving, individuals are finding unique and nuanced approaches to their New Year’s resolutions. We caught up with some of the Boxclever team to hear about the unique ways they have been approaching the New Year, New Me season.
Taryn Needham, Qualitative Research Director
“My mindset towards NYR has definitely shifted since becoming a mum. I would have usually set myself quite a superficial short term goal, very much focussed on trying to ‘look better’. Whereas now I’m very much about doing something for ‘me’ that makes me happy. It’s now much more about ‘inner health’ and doing good habits now that will hopefully let me live a longer life and instil good habits in the kids.”
Lucy Hampson, Quantitative Associate Director
“My resolution is to try and protect ‘me-time’ a little better. After the pandemic and missing out on so much, I got into the habit of always saying yes to every social occasion. This year I want to make more of an effort to protect a weekend every month where I have no plans, and not feel guilty for saying no even though I don’t have anything else planned. A weekend doing nothing is just as important as a weekend going out socialising!”
Hannah Chevrier, Quantitative Research Director
“I don’t tend to think of it as a NY resolution, more a chance to reflect and think about things I’d like to change/focus on. This year it’s being more ‘present’ with my children, knowing that our ‘rules for living’ from the past can change and evolve with time, perhaps even break a few rules ?!”
Christina Tarbotton, Quantitative Associate Director
“I normally do make some kind of health-related resolution but I didn’t want to be too restrictive so decided to focus on something else this year! I’m trying to try to shop more sustainably - I am doing a lot more thrift shopping and have just recently made my first Vinted purchase that I am very excited about. I also buy all of my books second-hand now and it’s saving me a fortune.”
Charlotte Andrews, Quantitative Associate Director
“January does always make you think about health after a usually indulgent December where your routine goes out the window. I feel really positive about my resolution as it is a very specific goal – 25 parkruns in 2024 (if I do more then great). This number was thought about a lot and is realistic given holidays, weekends away, illness etc. So it feels achievable. I know how good I feel during them (they are lovely social and supportive events and they are only 5k).”
As we navigate the year ahead, it’s essential to recognise that resolutions are not one-size-fits-all. What are your resolutions or goals for the year ahead? Whether they’re personal aspirations or business objectives, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.