Maybe It’s March

As March hits its stride on the heels of a diamond heist, president Trump’s executive orders and the death of the founding father, it suffices to say that 2025 has had a relatively rocky beginning.

While the first few months of the year are generally meant for locking into new year’s resolutions, committing to insane exercise regimes and executing grand business plans, Namibia – and the world at large – has pretty much been a movie.

For those watching, the scenes have oscillated between action, murder-mystery, dystopian political drama and historic biopic. And for many, the realities of living through such unprecedented times has resulted in some derailment.

Happily, and as they say, the third time can most certainly be the charm. So if, after everything, you feel like making March your personal new year, here are some tips to recalibrate.

Review Your Goals

The first thing you want to do is remember what you had in mind before things got hectic. What were your goals? Did you write them down? If so, pull out your notebook, the random napkin you scribbled on or your vision board and remind yourself of the intentions you set this year.

If you aren’t one for writing down your goals, maybe try it. Multiple studies show that writing down your goals increases your chances of achieving them. Writing down your goals also helps you to gain clarity on what you want and what to do to achieve it – and holds you accountable.

Do A Digital Detox

Your recommitment to your annual goals may benefit from a digital detox. Though social media and the 24/7 news stream seem to be an integral and inescapable part of life, the world won’t end if you unplug for a while. Don’t quote me on that because recent history has shown us unrelenting flames and that anything is possible. But chances are everything will be fine.

Your digital detox can include deactivating your social media accounts for a set period or limiting your usage of the apps. Restricting news consumption and doomscrolling may also be beneficial. Try only checking the news at a certain time of day and ceasing all scrolling at a certain time of night. The benefits of a digital detox are reduced news anxiety, less stress and improved sleep quality, mood, productivity and focus.

Focus on Nutrition
In times of stress, many people tend to eat more and often turn to sugary treats, fried foods and alcohol. Stress eating to release pleasurable hits of dopamine in the brain and temporarily drowning feelings of anxiety, sadness or hopelessness in alcohol can lead to dependency, lifestyle diseases and addiction.
As you restart your year, see what changes you can make to your daily nutrition. Note what you’re consuming in excess and scale back on sugar, fried foods and alcohol. Eating a balanced diet of lean protein, healthy fats, fruit, vegetables and whole grains can help improve your energy levels, boost your mood and immunity and maintain good health.

Exercise

One thing that should always be part of the plan is exercise. Whether you’re 21 or 101, the benefits of regularly incorporating movement into your life are myriad and include longevity, better mental and physical health and reduced risk of chronic disease.

If a gym membership is beyond your means, try exercising at home or in your neighbourhood. While safety can be an issue, reaching out to people in your vicinity and committing to walking, exercising or playing sport together can help you feel safe, build community and hold you accountable.

2025 has started off with a bang – not necessarily the good kind – but it’s never too late to refocus, recalibrate or to show up in pursuit of your goals.

So if you’ve been waiting for a sign, for the year to feel new or for the right moment, maybe it’s March.

– martha@namibian.com.na; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukaiwa.com