The Liberty Guide to Your January Reset
Actionable New Year’s resolutions to start the year off right
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The Liberty Guide to Your January Reset
Actionable New Year’s resolutions to start the year off right
A good New Year’s resolution needs to be specific. Sweeping platitudes like ‘read more’ or ‘get healthy’ can cover all manner of things - does that mean read more messages on your phone? And who defines what ‘healthy’ means? The best kind of resolution sets out exactly what you’re looking to achieve, whether that’s reading 20 books in a year, or doing yoga every morning on weekdays.
Another tip for sticking to your resolutions is to ensure you have the right tools on hand to make following your new rules both easy and inspiring. For the examples above, that might mean buying a monthly book subscription from your favourite local bookshop, or investing in a new yoga mat. And if you haven’t decided on your resolutions yet, then below you’ll find a few suggestions to start the year on the right foot.
I will… drink two litres of water a day
New Year’s resolutions can be a bit like getting a haircut. We expect a dramatic change, one that will transform our lives overnight and turn us into the person we’ve always wanted to be. This rarely happens. Instead, we should think of resolutions as a way to build new habits, focusing on simple, achievable goals that will deliver over time - rather than expecting a seismic shift.
Drinking more water is a great example of a resolution that’s easy, unintimidating, and delivers long term results. Even easier when you’ve got a beautiful Astier de Villatte pitcher on hand, or you’re drinking your eight glasses a day from Casa Celva’s colourful blown-glass tumblers.
I will… prioritise whole foods
Eating healthy has to be one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, but what does it really mean? Health looks different for everyone, and there are a whole lot of fads vying for our attention. One thing that most experts agree on is the benefit of prioritising whole foods in your diet. Think verdant leafy greens, succulent organic fruits, unprocessed carbohydrates and fats and a variety of colours. Make every mealtime an inspiration with beautiful tableware that will encourage you to pile your plate with Mother Nature’s bounty.
I will… aim for eight hours sleep a night
What is it about modern life that seems so antithetical to a good night’s sleep? Whether it’s the blue light from our screens or the endless options on our streaming services, it seems there’s either too much temptation, or too much to do. We burn the candle at both ends, losing touch with our natural rhythms and losing sleep along the way.
After a (hopefully) restful holiday season, it’s time to carry that energy into the New Year, by resetting our relationship with sleep, and prioritising it the same way we would our favourite TV show. Think of it as binge watching your dreams – aided by a new pair of Liberty pyjamas, some beautiful cotton bedding, a silk pillowcase and an eye mask.
I will… reduce my screen time
Speaking of screen time, 2024 was the year we started talking about ‘touching grass’, a byword for doing things in the non-digital realm. Whether that’s being outside in nature or crafting with our hands, trading the internet for an analogue medium is a great way to calm the central nervous system, and make us more focused and productive when we log back on.
Taking up a hobby or craft is a great way to commit to something that isn’t on a screen. You could also spend an afternoon doing a puzzle, or mastering the Japanese art of paper folding with an origami kit. Write a letter to a friend, or invite one over to play a board game.
You can also dovetail crafting with a celebration of Liberty’s 150 year anniversary, where we’re inviting you to contribute a patch to a collaborative quilted artwork as part of The Patchwork Collective. If you really can’t resist your laptop, then Anya Hindmarch’s comical ‘Caution’ sleeve is a helpful deterrent.
I will… map out my goals and priorities for 2025
One thing you’ll have heard a lot in December is: “How is it December already?” That’s because once it gets started, the year tends to unfold like a downhill slalom, steadily gaining momentum before whizzing across the finish line of the new year. Mapping out your route and adding any checkpoints before you begin is a great way to ensure your year goes to plan, as well as taking stock of any learnings from the one before.
Choose a dedicated notebook to write down your reflections, and try committing to a daily journaling practice as you go along. Even if it’s just five minutes in the morning or evening to jot down where you’re at that day. This also means that when you find yourself uttering: “Where did the time go?” next December, you’ll have a record to look back on.
I will…. discover my signature scent
One thing that a lot of New Year’s resolutions have in common is a quest to uncover the best version of ourselves. The one that feels most authentic, calm, and optimised for success. With its intensely sensory properties, fragrance can be a wonderful addition to areas of your life that go beyond your beauty routine. A nostalgic smell can remind you of home, helping you feel grounded when you’re far away. It can bring you back to a place or person you want to be, or help remind you who you are in an intimidating work environment.
Cultivating a signature scent is like finding a talisman that will instantly transport you back to yourself, even as life tosses and turns you in new and unfamiliar directions. Similarly, if you sense you might have moved into a new phase of your life, perhaps you need a new scent to match. Find something that feels right with the help of the Fragrance Concierge, who will help you discover your signature scent in a one-to-one session in the Fragrance Lounge’s private suite.
