The year 2021 has come to an end, and with it comes the annual list of New Year's resolutions for 2022. Butler James from 'Dinner for One' would say: "Same procedure as every year". But after almost two years of a global pandemic, can we really make realistic resolutions? Isn't everything currently being planned week by week, with everyone waiting to see what the situation allows? Today, we take a look at what might be doable in 2022, regardless of what's happening in the world outside.
The perennial New Year's resolutions
From late 2020, there is a survey by the well-known statistics portal Statista, which conducted a representative survey together with YouGov regarding the New Year's resolutions of Germans. The result: almost 2/3, 60 percent, of respondents did not make any New Year's resolutions at all. Six percent were still undecided. And among the remaining 34 percent, the top 5 contains several familiar plans that appear on the list almost every year. Unsurprisingly, 1st place goes to the resolution to eat healthier in the coming year diet (31 percent), closely followed by the resolution to exercise more in the new year (30 percent). 3rd place goes to the resolution to save more money (19 percent). 16 percent of all respondents planned to live more eco-friendly, putting it in 4th place. And in 5th place, 14 percent want to spend more time with family and friends. So, not much new here overall. Except maybe the savings resolution in 3rd place. However, that may also be due to the extremely uncertain course of 2020, in which the Covid-19 pandemic held the world in suspense since March and caused existential fears for many people financially, as it continues to do.
Resolution: Exercise more in 2022
For the second winter in a row, we find ourselves unable to truly plan ahead for the coming year. A ski trip in early 2022? Uncertain. A wellness vacation at a nice hotel to treat yourself and recharge much-needed energy? Uncertain. But what can you do, what resolutions can you make to do something good for your body regardless of the situation around you? How can you bring more movement into your life?
Here are a few suggestions:
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Cycling or walking: You can do both alone, but you don't have to, and both types of exercise are completely independent of external circumstances and can be done at any time. Whether there's a lockdown or not, contact restrictions or not: You can hop on your bike alone or take a slightly longer walk around the block. Or you can make a date and complete your exercise session outdoors as a pair. As you like. The main thing is that you keep moving.
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Fitness at home: The past year triggered a real boom in the fitness equipment industry. Everyone, literally everyone, wanted to stock up on new equipment for home. For months, it was laborious research to find a kettlebell, dumbbells, or other equipment anywhere that was still in stock. The industry is now also well familiar with how these online classes work. Every gym, functional box operator, and yoga instructor had to adapt to the new situation where training couldn't take place in the usual rooms for a certain period. I admit I've become quite a fan of this type of training. It's simply practical, you don't have to commute anywhere, and it saves a lot of time. Nevertheless, it also has disadvantages. Home equipment simply doesn't offer the same possibilities, machines, and tools available in a gym. Still, you can do a lot at home: Get a treadmill if you like jogging. Or a fitness bike to break a sweat on with a suitable workout program. If you have enough space, a rowing machine is also a fantastic idea, as it targets and trains an enormous number of muscle chains throughout the entire body.
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Jogging or walking: Now would be a good time to either start jogging or dig those old running shoes out of the closet and get back into it. Find a running school or running group in your city. They exist in almost every decent-sized town. And every group either has a separate beginners' group that gradually introduces you to longer running distances, or a beginners' course offered regularly. The somewhat gentler option would be to look for a walking group. Both take place in the fresh air and, thanks to the group, give you that little extra boost of motivation to stick with it.
Stress reduction and resilience as a resolution for 2022
The resolution to do something good for yourself is by no means the worst idea in these times. The societal situation has been more than challenging over the last two years, especially for families, single parents, the self-employed, and certain occupational groups. Depressive moods, burnout, and mental health issues in general have continued to increase. It is therefore extremely beneficial to take good care of yourself and your peace of mind. In addition to yoga and functional fitness, I have recently discovered Qigong for myself. Slow down your everyday life and your mind by perhaps checking out one or two meditation apps. Or try out a gentle, stress-reducing form of movement such as Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong. Almost everywhere, you can take part in the first one or two sessions for free to find out whether it's something for you or not. All major statutory health insurance funds support this form of mental health, stress management, and stress prevention, subsidizing many courses. Just ask your health insurance provider about it. And resilience—the ability to adapt to changes and problematic situations—is currently needed more than ever. A healthy body and a stable psyche are certainly key factors that you can consciously influence for the better.
Start the new year fit, stay healthy, and actively do something about it!
