It’s time to get out of your comfort zone

ANNIE DEADMAN IS HERE TO HELP YOU, THE EASY WAY!

Now that we’re emerging, blinking from the dark tunnel of January, it’s time for some new-ness. Something fresh and different to keep us from stagnating, to keep us inspired, a deviation from our normal and a shifting up in the gear of change.

Change. Sometimes that word can make us shudder because it takes courage to do something different. I’m not talking hard and challenging (although bring that on too!), I just mean something that pushes the boundaries of thought and bravery. For example, continuing Dry January right up to next December. Why the hell not? What does alcohol actually do for us anyway?

It’s the same with biscuits, cakes and other sugary foods, which now and then are fine, but as a constant source of pick-me-up fodder, they do nothing other than – and excuse me if I shoot with both barrels – make us moody, add to our already turbulent hormones and fur up our arteries.

Another big nutritional change could be eating plantbased food two days each week. No need to tell the family, they might never find out, given that there are some hugely inspiring driving forces in the meat-less cooking world, so we have all the help we need.

For those of us who love walking, why not book a spot on a long-distance trek (ultrachallenge.com) or plan a hiking trip with a friend. Maybe you’re inspired by Strictly and fancy a whirl at ballroom dancing (turn up on your own… now there’s a challenge). It all looks so sensuous as well as physical, so who knows which parts of us will be warmed up by a spicy tango!

Hot yoga, cold swimming, kayaking, boxing, singing, amateur dramatics, adult ballet – any new activity might mean a couple of weeks of trepidation, only to be followed by lasting pride and pleasure at your own ‘have a go’ attitude.

This is a tough winter in a country with unresolved problems. All the more reason to make it our own. Let’s not hold back.