I’ve been off work for a week now and still have another 4 days of hibernation to rejoice in and that amounts to a whole load of reading blog posts and catching up on social media by the Christmas tree with a cuppa. People watching is my absolute go-to hobby – I possess innate ninja ability to see without being seen – so watching ‘Insta stories’ and backdating ‘Blogmas’ posts is a great way to indulge in my favourite pastime without having to leave the comfort of my festive family bubble.
Speaking of indulgence and whilst undergoing my voyeuristic scrolling, I’ve noticed the new year, new me posts are starting to roll in, chastising calories, swearing oaths to the 24 hour gym and vowing not to touch a drop of alcohol until Santa’s elves are dusting off their bells again. Le sigh. I completely understand the sentiment around the whole January health kick/detox frenzy – lord knows my jeans could do with being a bit looser and I will be making a conscious effort to get my five-a-day post January 1st but let’s not leave all the fun behind in 2017, hey?
Indulging in our favourite things – be it edible, doable, seeable, whatever – is an essential part of dealing with the shit life throws at us and something I will definitely be carrying through to 2018 albeit on a slightly smaller scale.
So with one of my new Whittard hot chocolates in hand, the remnants of a whole layer of Toffifee in my teeth and an M&S all butter honeycomb shortbread biscuit at my side for moral support, here’s how you can bring indulgence into the New Year unashamedly.
A little bit of what you fancy
Don’t start packing your favourite snacks and indulgent foods away with the Christmas decorations, only to be resigned to ‘cheat days’. Enjoying what you eat is not cheating and as long as it’s done in moderation, a little bit of what you fancy is good for the mind, body and soul. Strict deprivation is a one way ticket to binge town, my friend so don’t be afraid to indulge every now and then.
One of my foodie resolutions for the New Year is to become much, much better acquainted with my dusty recipe books in order to enjoy my favourite things in fresh, healthier ways. However if you’re one of those people who breaks out in hives at the mere mention of Mary Berry, you could always get someone to do it for you. However it plays out in your daily routine, just make sure these alleged ‘bad foods’ that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside don’t become the arch enemy.
Home is where the (healthy) heart is
If you really are hellbent on cutting back and toning up in time for summer then I applaud you but you might need to find indulgence in other places outside of the biscuit tin. Treating your humble abode to a little TLC and making sure your relaxation space is tip top is the perfect way to indulge without expanding your waistline. New kitchen appliances, a refresh of your interior decor, luxury beds or something as simple as a set of new cushions might be all it takes for you to be smiling in contentment like the Cheshire Cat.
Go on, get out of town!
Some people find Nirvana in a 25% EXTRA roll of chocolate Digestives, some find it in The White Company January sale. There are, however, plenty of people who’s ultimate indulgence lies in ticking another country off their travel bucket list after heading off on a new adventure. Whether it’s for a long weekend away somewhere fairly close by or a lengthy relocation somewhere more tropical, take advantage of some cheap deals and book that flight outta town!
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