Wellbeing

Happy Home: Resolutions for the real world

By Janey Lee Grace

The UK’s top holistic lifestyle expert and mum of four on resolving to be happy this New Year

The UK’s top holistic lifestyle expert and mum of four on resolving to be happy this New Year
New year is a time to declutter and plan for the year ahead. While sorting out my cascading pile of parenting manuals I came across my New Year’s resolutions list from a couple of years back. It was incredible how I had set myself up to fail! Who can possibly make their own playdough, stick to healthy meal plans, source natural face paints, keep a tidy house and go to the gym daily, whilst trying to earn a living?

Somehow our New Year’s resolutions are often just another way of beating ourselves up for all the stuff we haven’t done that we feel we should have. Once you have children your middle name is officially changed to ‘guilt-ridden’ and New Year’s resolutions seem to exacerbate this.

Thank goodness I work under the brand-name ‘imperfectly natural’. If I’d left out that all important ‘im’ I’d be lynched by earth mothers who spot me having a glass of non-organic wine, or eco warriors sifting through my bins to make sure I’ve recycled properly.

It’s the small steps that count though. So, I’ve decided to ditch the list of resolutions. It’s great to set goals, but to resolve to do something is usually fraught with problems. Chances are it will be something you feel you ought to do rather than really want to. In an enlightened moment while bathing my kids’ itchy skin with porridge oats (due to a bout of chicken pox) I suddenly realised that the richest people of all are the people who accept themselves just as they are. Yes they strive to reach their goals but life isn’t a struggle and they’re capable of enjoying the moment.

Lower your expectations

There’s nothing more precious than spending time with your loved ones. I’ve decided my main New Year’s resolution is to lower my expectations and stop chasing my tail. That’s not to say I don’t want to be happy – but it’s the definition of happiness that’s important. The kingdom of Bhutan was hailed as a role model for legislating that happiness had to be considered when making policies. Politicians are being encouraged to consider Gross National Happiness (GNH) as well as Gross Domestic Product – (GDP) President Sarkozy of France praised this view and commissioned a report to examine how France measures indicators such as health, family and leisure time. Come on coalition government – put happiness on the agenda!

Ditch the chemicals

Back on the itchy skin for a moment, the start of a New Year is a great time to decide to save money and the planet all in one go. Ditch the chemical products and use what’s in your kitchen cupboards. If you’re still at the nappy stage, even if you aren’t using cloth nappies, ditch the chemical baby wipes and make your own solution using cooled chamomile tea, a spoonful of manuka honey and a drop or two of lavender oil. Ditch baby lotions and use organic virgin coconut oil. They do say don’t put anything on your skin that you can’t eat!

I wish for us all a happy, stress-free year ahead!

Janey loves…

Pop ‘n’gro pocket nappy is a brilliant, easy-to-use cloth nappy which costs £12.95 from teamlollipop.co.uk
Doidy Cup is a training cup that encourages babies to drink from a rim rather than a spout. Made by the people who make the teething biscuits, it costs £3.70 from bickiepegs.co.uk
The new all-natural mum and baby range from essential care, especially the Calming Spritz. Costs £8.50 from essential-care.co.uk
Coconut oil is great for cooking and adding to smoothies and an all-purpose moisturiser for all skin types. Try Coconoil from janeysnaturalstore.com