So Christmas is over… and now it’s time to focus on New Year’s Resolutions. What will 2018 have in store for us all? It seems its become some sort of trend for people to now head straight to the likes of Facebook and Twitter to assure everyone who’s interested that they’ll be following through with new-found resolutions for the following year. Why do we self-indulge and medicate ourselves to change so much just because it’s a new year?

It’s most likely because everyone has something about themselves that they loathe and the highly anticipated new year celebrations give people an easier excuse to alter their living patterns – wether that be their hair style, weight, diet etc. So, it seems that since we now associate the 1st of January to be the catalyst for immediate self change, that it should be worthwhile and something you’ll thank yourself for in the long run.

1..2..3..QUE MY GUIDE! Here is my less than extensive 3 step list of what I consider to be relatable and achievable ‘resolutions’ that you can achieve fairly simply and for some, on your doorstep if you live in the Manchester area.

1. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO EVERYONE ELSE AND DEVELOP YOUR OWN STYLE

This has to be possibly the paramount of resolutions. Surely if we all loved ourselves a little more and stopped comparing ourselves to everyone else then this article wouldn’t even exist? Wouldn’t the world be a fine ol’ place if we loved ourselves in our own skin and didn’t feel this January impulse to change? You could stop comparing yourself to others by becoming unapologetically individual. It might seem a scary concept – but try new things and develop your own style that makes you matchless with anyone else out there.

For example, Manchester has a ton of unique clothing stores and outlets that can help you work on your own style and finding things that compliment you. Afflecks Palace is a haven for this sort of thing. It homes numerous independent and bizarre stores with every form of clothing you could imagine. Whether you want to get a new piercing, change your hair style or buy some retro, “what your grandad would’ve worn” jumpers then here is the place to do it!

Manchester has its popular Arndale shopping outlet too which is the host to 200 stores, as well as Market Street full of buskers (see video below), so there’s no doubt that you’ll find something that compliments you and makes you feel amazing.

2. LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFE STYLE

Okay yes… very stereotypical I know! With over 2,000 takeaway food places on the doorstep of Mancunians it may seem hard to resist a short walk for a Donner Kebab, but I can assure you, if your resolution is to head in to 2018 and be healthier it can be done!

Viet Shack, Kettlebell Kitchen and Wahu are popular places scattered around the Northern Quarter and Spinningfields that cook natural and healthy meals. For example, a regular size ‘Kettlebox’ at the KettleBell Kitchen costs a mere £7.95 and offers you choices of meat, carbohydrate sides and salad or nuts.

Heading here every day on your lunch break instead of the local takeaway would certainly be an easier way to change your eating habits without too much hard work.

If instead, you wish to become more physical in your lifestyle change then there are many affordable gyms in Manchester. Members of the Puregym brand will already be aware that they can visit any one of the ten sites around Manchester from as little as £8.99 per month.

Manchester’s Y Club is an easily accessible gym on Liverpool Road that doesn’t burn a large gaping hole in your wallet (no membership fee until January 2018) and Fit4less in Piccadilly has a New Year offer from just £15.099 per month.

As an alternative, you can take a stroll round the many scenic areas in and around Manchester… FOR FREE. Heaton Park, Chorlton Water Park, Peel Park (Salford), Lyme Park (just south of Disley and Stockport), Kinder Reservoir  (near Hayfield and Kinder Scout in the Peak District) are popular areas in the area where you can go for a jog, walk the dog, or a leisurely stroll around whilst also reflecting and getting yourself into that happy place. Which nicely leads us to…

3. REMAIN STRESS FREE AND GIVE YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS MORE TIME

In all the hustle and bustle of working city life, it can sometimes be hard to relax and take time for yourself. There are many ways you can learn to de-stress yourself in the new year, balancing work or university life with time for yourself.

The Spa at the Midland Hotel is one of the newest spas to grace Manchester and would be a great place to unwind if you live in the area. It offers spa days, specialist treatments and mini breaks; winning the ‘Residential Spa of the Year Award’ this year.

If instead you fancy a well – earned wind down after a five-day week of slogging along at work, then head down to Spinningfields, a luxurious dining destination in the city that boasts snazzy bars where you can go with your friends to feel much richer and classier than you actually are!

The Alchemist is a popular chain that boasts a few spots around Manchester, including Spinningfields (a new one has just opened in Media City), that I would certainly recommend for relaxed foods and drinks. Their drinks menu has over 50 fancy cocktails that come bubbling and fizzing in all shapes and colours and I guarantee that this will be the haven for a great time with your friends.

Whatever resolution is for you, there are many ways out there to achieve them. I urge you to not let the stress of having a ‘new years rule’ for yourself be overwhelming and consuming. If cutting out Jammie Dodgers from your diet isn’t really going to change much rather than make you miserable, then don’t bother!

I can’t stress enough the importance of just being HAPPY with yourself and living your life in a way that feels fulfilling. My three pointers seem easy and attainable ways to adjust to some resolutions for those in Manchester, but can certainly be for anyone, anywhere!

We would like to wish you a happy and prosperous new year here at VIVA Magazine.

Glitterball photograph by Elspeth Moore.