Reflecting on Your Year: A Look Back Before the New Year

The week before Christmas has its own kind of energy, doesn’t it? Most of us have wrapped up work for the year, and now it’s all about last-minute presents, organising food, and getting ready for a day of celebrating with the people we love. It’s the perfect time to ask yourself: How did this year actually go for me?

Rather than diving straight into resolutions or “starting fresh,” this is a time for reflection. Looking back with curiosity (rather than judgment) helps you understand what works for your body, your health, and your goals, and can help you find practical and targeted solutions to reach your goals this year.

Why Reflection Can Be Helpful

During perimenopause, the change in your hormones can make nutrition, metabolism, and energy levels feel unpredictable. Even small changes in oestrogen and progesterone affect appetite, fat distribution, sleep, and how your body responds to food and alcohol. Stress, holiday routines, and disrupted sleep can add to the mix.

By taking a thoughtful pause to reflect, you can:

• Recognise patterns that support your wellbeing

• Spot habits that consistently trip you up

• Make smarter, more realistic choices moving forward

Reflection gives insight, and insight makes goals feel achievable rather than overwhelming, and this is key! 

Reflective Questions to Guide You

Here are some prompts to help you explore the past year:

1. Your Goals

• What goals did you set for yourself this year?

• Which ones did you achieve, even partially?

• Which were challenging, and why?

2. Wins and Challenges

• Which habits or routines helped you feel nourished, energised, or in control?

• Were there recurring patterns, foods, or situations that consistently tripped you up?

3. Understanding Your Body

• Did you notice changes in how your body responds to food, alcohol, or exercise?

• What triggers cravings, energy dips, or digestive discomfort?

• Which small adjustments had the biggest positive impact?

4. Looking Ahead

• What habits do you want to continue or start in the new year?

• How could you approach past challenges differently next year?

• How can you enjoy celebrations and treats while staying aligned with your goals?

Tips for a Meaningful Reflection

• Write it Down: Journaling for 10-15 minutes helps reveal patterns and insights you might not notice otherwise.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Even partial successes are progress! Acknowledge moments where you made intentional, health-focused choices.

• Be Kind to Yourself: Reflection isn’t about guilt. Your body and habits have evolved, and that’s valuable information.

• Plan With Awareness: Use what you’ve learned to set realistic, sustainable intentions for the new year.

A Final Word

This week isn’t about restriction, perfection, or “undoing” anything. It’s about learning, understanding, and preparing. By reflecting thoughtfully on the past year, you step into the new one with clarity, intention, and compassion: ready to make choices that support your health, energy, and enjoyment.

Remember: the best resolutions are grounded in insight, not pressure. Pause, reflect, and celebrate what you’ve learned, then step confidently into the year ahead.