I’m giving up on giving up this January
JANUARY is usually a month associated with giving something up, but if it wasn’t for Covid-19, I don’t think the idea of giving up pretty much all of our freedoms would have been a popular choice.
The idea of New Year’s Resolutions has gone fairly quiet this year, probably because people realised that it would take all of their resolve just to deal with what’s in front of us.
As I’ve never been one for Dry January, I don’t have to worry too much about the fact I am not giving up the booze. I’ve never seen the point when you have all those Christmas bottles to keep you going through the dark wintry nights.
Veganuary, where you give up all meat and dairy products, is not for me either. All credit to you if you’re undertaking such a feat, but food is one of the things keeping me going right now, and the thought of switching to almond milk and nut roast is not particularly appealing.
In fact, this January, instead of thinking about removing things from my life which give me pleasure, I am trying to make the most of the things that do.
It comes with a sobering caveat, sadly, which is that I wouldn’t bet against things getting worse before they get better.
But this column is meant to be about focusing on the positive.
Food, as I’ve mentioned before, is most definitely one those. At risk of annoying all those people who are on diets, it seems that there are few things which we can focus on as much as creating some sumptuous meals right now.
With food shopping being one of the things we are allowed to leave the house for, it is well worth planning out some different meals, and maybe learning a few new recipes.
It doesn’t have to be calorific, of course, and so getting innovative with the meals you create could even be part of a more balanced, healthier diet. Possibly.
Or, like me, it could be about expanding your repertoire of dishes.
I’ve learned how to make gravy from scratch in recent months, so anything which involves that is a winner, while I am determined to really nail a good curry for good, having dabbled a bit with rogan josh recipes with mixed results.
It sounds like it’s goodbye to fitting into last year’s clothes, and hello to elasticated waistbands.
However, there is also exercise, which is the natural accompaniment to a hearty diet.
I’ve started going on a long run at least once a week, even in the freezing cold nights, though finding any weights to lift is more of a challenge. But any sort of movement is worth it right now, even if only a brisk walk to the end of the road and back.
Thirdly, and this is one that will divide people, we have sport. I know there will be groans from some, but watching sport on telly is a pleasure for countless others, and there’s still loads of it to enjoy right now.
There’s plenty of football, the rugby has started again, and even the Superbowl is on the horizon – that’s American Football for those unfamiliar with its delights.
Elite level sport has thankfully been allowed to continue, with teams forming a big bubble and getting tested on a regular basis. Though a few games have been postponed, let’s hope the whole season doesn’t grind to a halt again.
Finally, I think everyone should have a hobby. It doesn’t matter what it is – jigsaw puzzles, knitting, making ornate buildings from matchsticks – anything will do.
It’s something to lose yourself in for a few minutes, hours or, if you’re really keen, days.
Whatever it is, it should be something that distracts us from the bad news and whisks us away into our own little world.
Unless of course it’s crowd surfing, in which case you’re stuffed.
It’s goodbye to fitting into last year’s clothes, and hello to elasticated waistbands