Just 2 weeks in to 2019 and many people are already experiencing anxiety and disappointment. This is down to broken resolutions and feeling under pressure to have a successful and ‘Happy New Year’. Are you one of them? Don’t feel disheartened. Instead of focusing on monumental life changing goals it’s simpler to take small, manageable steps each day.
At the end of 2019 you’ll be surprised how far along your journey each step has taken you.
To help you move forward in 2019 here’s 19 ideas to inspire and challenge you.
1 Sign up for a fitness challenge
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to get started. Find a challenge that fits with your schedule and level of fitness. We’ve pulled together an inspiring list of challenges for 2019 click on the link run for us
2 Complete a mini challenge
From the comfort of your own home you can do something you’ve always been meaning to do. How about, in 2019, read 19 books or watch 19 films. To help you chose click on the links to the top 100 books to read and top 100 films to watch.
3 Donate regularly to a charity
Support a cause you care about by setting up a monthly Direct Debit. It couldn’t be easier to set up a charity Direct Debit and that’s one goal taken care of! At the end of the year you’ll see how your help adds up and is making a real difference to people who need it most. Click to donate to Cancer Support Scotland
4 Less screen time, learn new skills
Instead of binge watching Netflix or checking Instagram posts use your time differently. Take up a new skills such as learning a language, sign up for an evening class or meet up regularly with friends and family. (But please do still check our Social Media from time to time for news and events!)
5 Organise an event in your community
Involve your community group, college or school to fundraise for a local charity close to your heart. If you’d like to support us please contact Gwen our community fundraiser for advice, support and materials. Just call us on 0141 337 8199 or email gwen.stewart@cancersupportscotland.org
6 Support mental health at work
Returning to work after Christmas holidays can be hard enough. Returning to work after an illness, treatment or a bereavement is even harder. Please do spend some extra time to support a colleague you know who is returning to a ‘new normal’.
7 Encourage your workplace to ‘Adopt a charity’
Supporting a charity is an opportunity for an organisation to make a social impact, promote team work and demonstrate commitment to the communities you work with. You can click on the link to find out about supporting us at work or email Marlyn.hosie@cancersupportscotland.org
8 Aim to go to all your health appointments
Taking care of your overall health is important so please do keep all your eye, dental and hospital appointments if you can. Health professionals are trained in screening and early detection which can improve treatment outcomes for patients.
9 Review your 2019 finances
Try to save a bit extra each month, review your health insurance cover and write a will (it’s never too early). To get you started in January try a no spend month using the link to 5 tips for no spend
10 Volunteer your time or skills
Volunteering helps you and the charity you are working with. This is backed up by research into volunteering which has proven to help health and well-being of the volunteers. Volunteering also builds a healthy and resilient community. Our volunteer co-ordinators Grant and Claire would love to hear from you if you would like to get involved email: volunteer@cancersupportscotland.org
11 Declutter your home
Why not donate unwanted gifts to a local charity for a raffle or an auction prize. That way you are helping raise vital funds to help people when they need it. Creates some extra space for you!
12 Set up a birthday fundraiser
For next birthday why not ask for donations for a charity instead of gifts (saves you decluttering next year). Facebook has made it easy to set up a fundraiser and share with friends and the charity you are supporting.
13 Do something you love doing
Find your passion, re-ignite your love for something you once did. It could be a hobby you enjoyed as a child or something you always wanted to try but never found the time before. 2019 is your year.
14 Invest in ‘me’ time
Remember it is ok to press the pause button on your stressful life. Our counselling, complementary therapies and stress management courses are here to give people the space to relax and breathe again during their cancer journey. Click on the link to discover more about our services
15 Attend a Cancer Support Scotland Event
Throughout the year we run all kinds of events for every taste: movie nights, live music nights, ladies lunch and Christmas fayre and so much more. To be the first to know ‘what’s on’ follow us on Social media or sign up for our newsletter
16 Start a healthier eating plan
In 2019 review your diet and look at ways of avoiding added sugar, sweeteners and alcohol.
17 Drink more water
Staying hydrated is important so carry water with you to avoid reaching for sugary snacks. As always check with your GP if you have any health conditions as the amount you should drink varies from person to person.
18 Be social
Humans are social creatures. Whether it is reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time or spending more time with someone you enjoy being with it will be time well spent.
19. You Take Care
Take care is our mantra and at the heart of everything we do. Our charity started out as ‘Tak Tent’ which is old Scots for Take Care. That’s why we are here and what we do. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of cancer make calling us your number one goal for 2019.
Remember keep your challenge simple, manageable and achievable. You won’t regret it.