Heartofhearts Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Wonder if there is any interest in a thread on self improvement? It is of course 1 January and time for New Year Resolutions! My main interest is in weight loss and improving personal fitness for mainly health reasons. I'm keen to hear from anyone on here with New Year goals?
rudi must stay Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Make more money on eBay this year than I did last year. My only goal
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 1 Posted January 1 Yeah clean living , healthy foods so earlier I had a very enjoyable KFC ! To help with my over indulgence of alcohol before and after the bells 🔔
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 1 Posted January 1 On a serious note continue my usually healthy diet , apart from today’s misstep 👍
AlimOzturk Posted January 2 Posted January 2 Really want this to be the year I cut alcohol severely if not completely. Been on my mind a long time.
Heartofhearts Posted January 2 Author Posted January 2 Thanks for replies so far. Ive broken my resolution already! Too many snacks while watching Traitors. Guess tomorrow is another day.
il Duce McTarkin Posted January 2 Posted January 2 5 hours ago, AlimOzturk said: Really want this to be the year I cut alcohol severely if not completely. Been on my mind a long time. Same.
AlimOzturk Posted January 2 Posted January 2 19 minutes ago, il Duce McTarkin said: Same. These days it just numbs me to the point I feel like a zombie. Session depression for days, tiredness and lack of motivation. Off it a week, find myself getting back to normal again then do it all over again the following week the same cycle over and over again. Nah. I am 36 now, it’s obviously not working anymore.
AlimOzturk Posted January 2 Posted January 2 Just to add to the above I don’t want to say “that’s it I am giving it up” because ultimately I don’t want that commitment. Because if I do succumb and get pished at least I won’t have to beat myself up.
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 2 Posted January 2 4 minutes ago, AlimOzturk said: Just to add to the above I don’t want to say “that’s it I am giving it up” because ultimately I don’t want that commitment. Because if I do succumb and get pished at least I won’t have to beat myself up. I was just about the write similar . I never make any new year resolutions as no use beating yourself up if they are broken . Yes it’s good to have goals but they need to be realistic and achievable . Like yesterday I could have made a healthy tea but couldn’t be arsed so had a KfC . My choice , my consequences . However I will only have a “cheat “ day once a week , that’s it . It’s the over indulgence which is the issue . Certainly hit the booze the last 3 weeks but that’s because I had various sociial engagements / football so enjoyed it . I do not plan in having a drink until 17 th Jan ( Falkirk game ) and then might not . See how I feel that day . Next booze night will be London end of month . However I can take it or leave it . Like yourself hate the next day and it’s terrible for weight gain too Saying all that I might have a pint tomorrow before the match but I’ll see what my football mates plans are . I’m happy to go without . I hardly ever drink on football days apart from derbys etc . Again I don’t want to put pressure on myself
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 2 Posted January 2 5 hours ago, Heartofhearts said: Thanks for replies so far. Ive broken my resolution already! Too many snacks while watching Traitors. Guess tomorrow is another day. Aye ! I ate a load of crap yesterday and nearly a whole block of Brie cheese during the traitors too but today it’s back to normal
Martin B Posted January 2 Posted January 2 5 hours ago, AlimOzturk said: Really want this to be the year I cut alcohol severely if not completely. Been on my mind a long time. Made a similar promise to myself a few months back (for the umpteenth time) and have managed it this time mostly due to finding a really good non-alcoholic beer brand. The habit of relaxation with a beer or two most evenings to unwind from work is too difficult to break but this stuff tastes as good as real beer and has some sort of herbal secret ingredient that genuinely gives a buzz. Not just a gimmick! Plenty of variations too. I now only have a drink at the weekend. https://impossibrew.co.uk
Ulysses Posted January 2 Posted January 2 My New Year's resolution is to be more mean to chancers who sign up for the Secret Santa and then don't hang around the thread and make guesses. Only about 354 days to wait to make good on that promise.
Morgan Posted January 2 Posted January 2 59 minutes ago, Ulysses said: My New Year's resolution is to be more mean to chancers who sign up for the Secret Santa and then don't hang around the thread and make guesses. Only about 354 days to wait to make good on that promise. That's the best one I've heard, so far. Sort these cheaters out.
Jacques de Gauthier Posted January 2 Posted January 2 1 hour ago, Ulysses said: My New Year's resolution is to be more mean to chancers who sign up for the Secret Santa and then don't hang around the thread and make guesses. Only about 354 days to wait to make good on that promise. Mine is to understand how that game actually works and not just use it as an excuse to post nonsense.
TuckerCarlsonsToupee Posted January 2 Posted January 2 In January I am aiming to not have any Red Bull (I don't drink alcohol, indeed I haven't even ever tasted it, I don't smoke, and I rarely eat red meat), try to do 3 20 minute home workouts each week, and maintain 10000 steps a day. If I can do that for the month then I think I can be quite pleased, and then look at how I could build on that success in February.
Martin B Posted January 2 Posted January 2 28 minutes ago, Jacques de Gauthier said: Mine is to understand how that game actually works and not just use it as an excuse to post nonsense. What’s your excuse the rest of the time. 😜
Morgan Posted January 2 Posted January 2 2 hours ago, Martin B said: What’s your excuse the rest of the time. 😜
Heartofhearts Posted January 2 Author Posted January 2 22 minutes ago, JudyJudyJudy said: Sounds like a plan!
King prawn Posted January 2 Posted January 2 I’m going to try and learn Italian finally - close to 4 years with my partner and whilst we switch between English and Spanish I feel guilty about not being able to speak with her family and friends.
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 2 Posted January 2 47 minutes ago, Heartofhearts said: Sounds like a plan! Yep I’ll start Monday Spoiler Not saying which Monday mind 🤣
Ked Posted January 3 Posted January 3 5 hours ago, iantjambo said: Try and sort my marriage out Good man. For all the folk you see who think not working to save it there's plenty more shite than having a good woman mate. Sometimes think the place wouldn't be as ****ed up if everyone worked harder on what they have. Be lucky mate.
iantjambo Posted January 3 Posted January 3 7 hours ago, Ked said: Good man. For all the folk you see who think not working to save it there's plenty more shite than having a good woman mate. Sometimes think the place wouldn't be as ****ed up if everyone worked harder on what they have. Be lucky mate. Cheers mate, I appreciate the support. We’ve got a hell of a road of us but I’m hopeful that we can get there
JudyJudyJudy Posted January 3 Posted January 3 1 minute ago, iantjambo said: Cheers mate, I appreciate the support. We’ve got a hell of a road of us but I’m hopeful that we can get there Good luck
AlimOzturk Posted January 3 Posted January 3 21 minutes ago, iantjambo said: Cheers mate, I appreciate the support. We’ve got a hell of a road of us but I’m hopeful that we can get there My wife and I did therapy 5 years ago it saved our marriage. Can’t recommend relationship counselling enough. There was a reason you two got together and if you have been together a long time with kids it’s 100% worth saving. good luck.
iantjambo Posted January 3 Posted January 3 36 minutes ago, JudyJudyJudy said: Good luck 13 minutes ago, AlimOzturk said: My wife and I did therapy 5 years ago it saved our marriage. Can’t recommend relationship counselling enough. There was a reason you two got together and if you have been together a long time with kids it’s 100% worth saving. good luck. Cheers, guys 👍🏻
Montgomery Brewster Posted January 3 Posted January 3 On 02/01/2026 at 04:27, AlimOzturk said: Really want this to be the year I cut alcohol severely if not completely. Been on my mind a long time. Go for it. I stopped last March. Best thing I ever did
highlandjambo3 Posted January 3 Posted January 3 Schindlers list only at the weekends for me now. 62 this year and I’d like to keep going 😁
AlimOzturk Posted January 5 Posted January 5 (edited) On 03/01/2026 at 11:41, Montgomery Brewster said: Go for it. I stopped last March. Best thing I ever did My whole social structure, working life and family all have that drinking culture embedded into it. It’s brutal to stay away for and not be tempted back. Utterly determined this time though. Again I won’t ever say never again because that adds unnecessary pressure. But I have already said no to a drink session with friends this Saturday instead opting to get to the gym, spend day with the kids and do something productive. If anything building new habits going forward can only be a good thing. Sick of the black outs and days of misery it brings. Edited January 5 by AlimOzturk
Gavman81 Posted January 5 Posted January 5 5 minutes ago, AlimOzturk said: My whole social structure, working life and family all have that drinking culture embedded into it. It’s brutal to stay away for and not be tempted back. Utterly determined this time though. Again I won’t ever say never again because that adds unnecessary pressure. But I have already said no to a drink session with friends this Saturday instead opting to get to the gym, spend day with the kids and do something productive. If anything building new habits going forward can only be a good thing. Sick of the black outs and days of misery it brings. I get where you’re coming from here mate - it’s a really really difficult balancing act eh as eventually you just want to see the lads again and have a beer. Trying to just minimise the occasions myself where bevvying is involved as for me , it’s unrealistic to say it won’t happen again but yeah , being off it makes everything just so much easier
AlimOzturk Posted January 5 Posted January 5 The biggest thing for me when losing weight was building sustainable long term habits. I was extremely strict in the beginning, before loosening off slightly but controlled and I have really seen a massive difference in how I eat and treat food. It seems like it’s going to last. I hope to be able to do the same with alcohol going forward but for the time being I think no alcohol policy for a while will help break the pattern
Psychedelicropcircle Posted January 5 Posted January 5 It’s strange that youd want to do something & then have to wait on a year ending. Why not say ferk it & start a new routine on the day you thought about it?
Bryson De Jambo Posted January 5 Posted January 5 14 minutes ago, AlimOzturk said: My whole social structure, working life and family all have that drinking culture embedded into it. It’s brutal to stay away for and not be tempted back. Utterly determined this time though. Again I won’t ever say never again because that adds unnecessary pressure. But I have already said no to a drink session with friends this Saturday instead opting to get to the gym, spend day with the kids and do something productive. If anything building new habits going forward can only be a good thing. Sick of the black outs and days of misery it brings. I don't know why you would go back to it in light of your last paragraph. Doing something you don't enjoy and you know is harmful to you is strange logic, when you consider it rationally. You might want to consider a book by Alan Carr the easy way to stop drinking or something like that. It might help you in your attempts to break the cycle. He got famous for stopping smokers. It's about reframinging your perceptions/relationship with tobacco/alcohol.
Psychedelicropcircle Posted January 5 Posted January 5 On 02/01/2026 at 09:57, AlimOzturk said: These days it just numbs me to the point I feel like a zombie. Session depression for days, tiredness and lack of motivation. Off it a week, find myself getting back to normal again then do it all over again the following week the same cycle over and over again. Nah. I am 36 now, it’s obviously not working anymore.
AlimOzturk Posted January 5 Posted January 5 3 hours ago, Bryson De Jambo said: I don't know why you would go back to it in light of your last paragraph. Doing something you don't enjoy and you know is harmful to you is strange logic, when you consider it rationally. You might want to consider a book by Alan Carr the easy way to stop drinking or something like that. It might help you in your attempts to break the cycle. He got famous for stopping smokers. It's about reframinging your perceptions/relationship with tobacco/alcohol. Totally fair comment. Been on my mind a while but life has always got in the way. Probably at that moment now though where I think I must do it for myself. I’ll try the Alan Carr book you mentioned read great things about it.
Jingle Bells Posted January 6 Posted January 6 (edited) 4 hours ago, AlimOzturk said: Totally fair comment. Been on my mind a while but life has always got in the way. Probably at that moment now though where I think I must do it for myself. I’ll try the Alan Carr book you mentioned read great things about it. Does put you in the right frame of mind for packing it in. The smoking cessation programme at the Chemist is good too. I used the nicotine patches but gave up on the white puffer stick thing and got a vape instead but tried not to use it, which I managed mostly to do. Final week of the Patches I didn't use the vape at all and the week thereafter just had some mild withdrawal symptoms but nothing that couldn't be handled easily. Edited January 6 by Jingle Bells
Cruyff Posted January 6 Posted January 6 This is a strange one. Last year I said I wasn't going to sleep around or get involved with lassies that weren't for me until I felt upto it again. It's been tough but I managed to be disciplined and avoid the temptations. Part of last years self improvement, definitely a good thing. It's given me a lot if perspective.
Craigieboy Posted January 7 Posted January 7 (edited) On 05/01/2026 at 21:11, AlimOzturk said: Totally fair comment. Been on my mind a while but life has always got in the way. Probably at that moment now though where I think I must do it for myself. I’ll try the Alan Carr book you mentioned read great things about it. Can recommend. During 2025 I went months without alcohol. It just doesn’t agree with my wee brain and heightened a lot of emotions a I’d rather not bring back to mind. I’d love to be the kind that can session it and not bother. I can’t. It wrecks my mental health. 2025 saw me revert back now and again for the sake of ‘occasions’ and each time it had a negative consequence for me so my goal in 2026 is to be completely AF. The energy, clarity of thought, productivity, being more present and no drowning mental angst when drinking is more at the forefront of my mind these days than my need for a drink. I also do a job now where being mentally switched on and extremely sharp at all times is imperative so that’s a huge incentive to be AF. It’s a journey but worth and it once you’ve travelled the road for a number of months you don’t think about it. Edited January 7 by Craigieboy
AlimOzturk Posted January 7 Posted January 7 44 minutes ago, Craigieboy said: Can recommend. During 2025 I went months without alcohol. It just doesn’t agree with my wee brain and heightened a lot of emotions a I’d rather not bring back to mind. I’d love to be the kind that can session it and not bother. I can’t. It wrecks my mental health. 2025 saw me revert back now and again for the sake of ‘occasions’ and each time it had a negative consequence for me so my goal in 2026 is to be completely AF. The energy, clarity of thought, productivity, being more present and no drowning mental angst when drinking is more at the forefront of my mind these days than my need for a drink. I also do a job now where being mentally switched on and extremely sharp at all times is imperative so that’s a huge incentive to be AF. It’s a journey but worth and it once you’ve travelled the road for a number of months you don’t think about it. Cheers for the advice. That’s 8 days now. Already feeling a clearer head and mentally better. Taking it a week at a time. I won’t commit to the “never again” but as you said it should get less and less bothersome the longer I do it. The more i can tell folk “not drinking” the more they will accept it imo. I don’t suffer depression when not drinking. So it’s such a strange thing thing knowingly drinking to extreme when it will just cause anxiety and stress.
Craigieboy Posted January 7 Posted January 7 12 minutes ago, AlimOzturk said: Cheers for the advice. That’s 8 days now. Already feeling a clearer head and mentally better. Taking it a week at a time. I won’t commit to the “never again” but as you said it should get less and less bothersome the longer I do it. The more i can tell folk “not drinking” the more they will accept it imo. I don’t suffer depression when not drinking. So it’s such a strange thing thing knowingly drinking to extreme when it will just cause anxiety and stress. Good stuff.
Bill Sikes Posted January 7 Posted January 7 Thats me done a week with no booze, feeling better, tinnitus is clearing up, sleeping better. Definitely much more awake and alert. Absolutely hate it, no chance im giving up full time so this is torture starting to feel well again. Feeling great is definitely not all its cracked up to be.
Martin B Posted January 7 Posted January 7 1 hour ago, Bill Sikes said: Thats me done a week with no booze, feeling better, tinnitus is clearing up, sleeping better. Definitely much more awake and alert. Absolutely hate it, no chance im giving up full time so this is torture starting to feel well again. Feeling great is definitely not all its cracked up to be. 😄
AD 1874 Posted January 7 Posted January 7 I'm finding this chat about alcohol and mental health really interesting. I have always loved a scoop, though getting older (I'm 46), having kids and work has naturally curtailed it over the years. I distinctly recall in my mid 30s starting to feel a bit down after drinking, and this has absolutely escalated since. I feel absolutely horrendous for days if I have too much to drink. I have been having a kind of internal battle with myself for quite some time now, where I have just been trying to put up with it due to my love of going out for a drink. However, over the festive period there, I basically realised that I just can't do it any longer, as I literally can't cope with the impact it has on my mental health. I have to say, my biggest anxiety is how it will affect my social life, as this largely revolves around getting out for a drink.
jack D and coke Posted January 7 Posted January 7 https://www.instagram.com/reel/DScpXKcDOuT/?igsh=MWQ1YTM3YWllcTBpYQ== Seriously tho I think there’s a bit truth in this. The younger ones don’t build the deep friendships, the laughs, the daftness, the bad decisions that you still talk about to this day despite them being 30 years ago… There’s a lot to be said about the way we lived compared to the shit lives the kids have now. They don’t leave the house ffs I was stealing booze out my dads cabinet and fags out my mums bag when I was 12! Nowadays these ages think making a tik tok is living… Sad times.
That thing you do Posted January 8 Posted January 8 On 01/01/2026 at 14:44, Heartofhearts said: Wonder if there is any interest in a thread on self improvement? It is of course 1 January and time for New Year Resolutions! My main interest is in weight loss and improving personal fitness for mainly health reasons. I'm keen to hear from anyone on here with New Year goals? Started a water fast. 108 hours in, 5 kg down. Doing 20 days. Target 79kg. Once I get there, gym and clean eating. Water fast helps kick start the process but needs change to the diet to sustain it. My biggest vice is chocolate/sweet food. I struggle to stop eating it once I start so wont be touching it again.
il Duce McTarkin Posted January 8 Posted January 8 10 hours ago, jack D and coke said: What’s with all this pussy talk about boozing? 10 hours ago, jack D and coke said: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DScpXKcDOuT/?igsh=MWQ1YTM3YWllcTBpYQ== Seriously tho I think there’s a bit truth in this. The younger ones don’t build the deep friendships, the laughs, the daftness, the bad decisions that you still talk about to this day despite them being 30 years ago… There’s a lot to be said about the way we lived compared to the shit lives the kids have now. They don’t leave the house ffs I was stealing booze out my dads cabinet and fags out my mums bag when I was 12! Nowadays these ages think making a tik tok is living… Sad times. Seriously though, I've booted the hoop out of the festive season and the next-day doom/anxiety was murder. Ony cure is to get right back on the horse! 😄 Wee period of moderation amd abstinence incoming.
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