My New Year Intention

I’ve never been a big fan of New Year’s resolutions. As both a nutritional therapist and a pharmacist, I’ve seen how rigid goals—especially those rooted in restriction or perfection—can sometimes do more harm than good. This year, instead of setting resolutions, I’m setting an intention: to live more in the moment.

Life is rarely linear. It ebbs and flows, throws us unexpected challenges, and occasionally gifts us moments of deep joy. When we’re constantly focused on what’s next—what we should be doing, fixing, or achieving—we can miss the very experiences that help regulate our nervous system and build resilience. From a health perspective, this matters more than we often realise. Chronic stress keeps the body in a state of alert, influencing everything from digestion and sleep to immune function and mood.

For me, living more in the moment means consciously making space for things that bring enjoyment, calm, and creativity. These moments don’t have to be grand or time‑consuming. Often, they are simple, sensory experiences that gently bring us back into our bodies and out of our heads.

Today was a perfect example. I spent a couple of unhurried hours on a nearby beach, collecting pebbles and sea glass. The repetitive rhythm of the waves, the cool air, and the tactile experience of sorting through stones felt deeply grounding. I wasn’t thinking about productivity or outcomes—I was simply present. Unsurprisingly, I left feeling calmer, clearer, and more centred.

There’s also something powerful about creativity, especially when it’s process‑focused rather than results‑driven. I’m already playing with a few ideas to turn these small beach finds into handmade gifts. Creating for the sake of creating supports mental wellbeing, encourages mindfulness, and offers a quiet sense of purpose—benefits I often discuss with clients but am continually reminded to practise myself.

From a nutritional therapy and pharmacy perspective, these moments of presence are not indulgent extras; they’re foundational. When we feel calmer and more regulated, we’re more likely to make nourishing food choices, support healthy routines, and respond rather than react to life’s stresses. Enjoyment and health are not opposing forces—they’re deeply connected.

As we move into the new year, perhaps the most supportive intention we can set isn’t to overhaul ourselves, but to notice what genuinely brings us joy and make room for it. Whether it’s time in nature, creative expression, or simply slowing down, these small, mindful moments can have a profound impact on our overall wellbeing.

For me, beginning the year with sea air, smooth stones, and quiet creativity felt like exactly the right place to start.