It is over a week into 2026, and we are still finishing off the excess food from the holidays. I ate the last of the mallow cakes this morning. I also ate a bit of fruitcake and nibbled on a chocolate praline that I don’t like much. Only the ones that I like least are left. There is still a full box of mince pies, and some crackers and bits of fancy cheese. And an entire Christmas pudding which we somehow forgot to serve at dinner. The cheese will be either eaten as snacks or given to the dog. Don’t know what we’ll do with the Christmas pudding as no-one in the house really likes it. I only buy it because it is traditional for the festive season. It will probably sit in the pantry until well past its sell-by date, at which point we’ll chuck it out in shame and regret. It will end up in the compost where I’m sure the birds, bugs and hedgehogs will appreciate the fact that it was matured for six months. There is also a half-full box of Rose’s that my beloved is working his way through. I’m a bit of a chocolate snob (I grew up in Belgium after all) and don’t eat them. However, I love the plastic tubs and use them to store vegetable seeds.
The start of the year is the time for resolutions and predictions. Resolutions tend to be about being a better version of ourselves, generally centred around the physical self. Resolution #1, as every year, is to eat healthy, cutting out sugar and fast carbs. Prediction #1 is that none of that will happen until I have eaten all the leftover holiday goodies. Resolution #2 is often about getting fit with Prediction#2 being a bit of a gamble as to how long that will last as fitness resolutions can often sound like boot camp: More exercise! More steps! More protein! Less treats! Such resolutions are only attractive if you are a masochist (which I am most certainly not). So, this year, let me suggest that instead of concentrating on fighting the flab, we focus on having a good time. I don’t mean resolving to drink more, take up smoking, and lounge around on the couch watching Love Island and eating ultra-processed food. I’m talking about those activities which lift our spirits and warm our hearts, which put a spring in our step and a song (literally) on our lips.
Studies suggest that participating in a creative activity can have a positive effect on our health and wellbeing. In fact, engaging in the arts nearly halves the risk of developing clinical depression. Art therapy combined with anti-depressants and counselling, can double the improvement in the symptoms of depression.
Singing, dancing, playing music, writing poetry, playing with clay, or watercolours or pencils, along with crafts like knitting, woodwork, or felting are all easily accessed in West Cork. We are blessed with a wide range of creative activities and groups to enjoy them with. If you don’t see yourself taking up the ukulele or joining a choir – no worries. You don’t actually have to participate by making art. You can still get the benefit by watching others. Going to gigs, attending a play, or visiting a museum are all great for our mental and spiritual health. Engaging with the arts is a brain workout, which builds cognitive reserves that combat cognitive decline. Singing, or dancing are as good a breathing workout as a brisk walk. Crochet and other activities which require psychomotor skills are great for muscle/brain coordination. Art practice engages a number of physiological systems that together boost immunity and lower inflammation. Better yet they are fun. Boosting your mood is as important as boosting your fibre – especially when the news is often so dire and upsetting.
So, in 2026 take up a hobby, join an art class, or just go out and enjoy some live music. You may not lose any weight, but you’ll find that life is more pleasurable and we can all use a bit more of that!
