It’s that time of year again – the party season is over, and January stretches ahead like an endless, grey Monday. The “January Blues” hits us all differently, but one thing’s certain: nothing clears the cobwebs or lifts the mood quite like getting moving. Whether you’re hitting the gym or pounding the streets, there’s no better way to shake off the winter gloom than by embracing fitness.
This year, I’ve discovered a whole new love for exercise, and it’s not just about ticking off a New Year’s resolution – it’s about transforming how I feel, inside and out. Fitness has become a crucial part of my daily routine, and I’ve set myself some serious goals to take it even further.
I am swapping Surfboards for Sneakers. For those of you who know me, my connection to the water and surfing is no secret. The ocean has always been my therapy, a place where I can find clarity and calm. But as much as I adore riding waves, I’ve recently realized I need to build strength and endurance for both my body and my mind.
As part of the build up to the 72nd Miss World, I need to get ready for the gruelling sports round, most people don't realise there is a sports round at Miss World, it's not all glitz and glamour, and a lot of the contestants are athletes, they train hard and are incredibly fit.
Enter the gym. I used to feel intimidated by rows of machines and weights – let’s face it, they can look like torture devices if you’re a newbie! But now, I see them as tools of empowerment. Each session is a chance to push past my limits, whether I’m lifting weights, cycling my heart out in a spin class, or perfecting my plank. I’ve even started running, something I never thought I’d enjoy, but there’s something about pounding the streets with music blasting in my ears that feels freeing, getting the fresh air in my lungs.
Fitness is Therapy, The great thing about fitness is that it’s not just about the physical changes (though seeing progress in the mirror is a nice bonus). It’s a game-changer for mental health. January can feel overwhelming, and those dark, cold mornings don’t exactly scream “get up and go.” But once you’ve laced up your trainers and stepped into a workout, the endorphins kick in, and suddenly, the day doesn’t feel so daunting.
For me, setting fitness goals has also given me a renewed sense of purpose. It’s not just about hitting the treadmill or doing squats; it’s about proving to myself that I can achieve what I set my mind to. Whether it’s shaving minutes off a run time or lifting heavier weights, every little win is a confidence boost.
Of course, fitness isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ve got to find what works for you, whether that’s yoga, boxing, hiking, or even dance classes. The trick is to keep moving and stay consistent. It’s about creating habits that will outlast January and give you something to feel proud of as the year progresses.
So, if you’re feeling the January Blues creeping in, why not join me in setting some fitness goals? You might just find, like I have, that the road to a stronger body leads to a stronger, happier mind. Let’s hit the gym, take to the streets, and leave those winter blues far behind.
