New year, new me. The phrase that everyone will have said at least once in their lifetime. The new year rolls around and suddenly everyone is determined to create new and better versions of themselves. I personally took full advantage of the January sales and used my Christmas money to purchase some gym wear and build a new skin and hair care routine. It feels good to invest in myself, and I can already feel the positive mental and physical benefits; however, that does not mean that there are no negative side effects. But just how damaging is this mentality of reinvention? 

With how commonplace social media is, trends and challenges are almost impossible to avoid. One particular trend that has received mix responses is ‘Project Pan,’ where people stop buying new cosmetic and toiletries products until they have run out of the products they already have. While this has had the benefit of reducing spending and waste, it really highlights our societies issues of overconsumption and sustainability. Another trend is 75 hard, medium, and soft. This is where for 75 days you adhere to a strict diet and exercise regimen. But in order to take part, you are going to need a few things. To eat right you need to meal prep so buy some Tupperware. But you can’t just eat anything. You have to ensure that you’re eating ‘clean’, whatever that means. To exercise you’ll need some new gym clothes and equipment, maybe even a membership. But all that exercising is going to affect your skin and cause breakouts, so buy a whole new skin regime. But who online do you listen to? With every so-called expert handing out different advice, its impossible to keep up with their conflicting advice. My TikTok for you page became flooded with these videos and honestly, it was overwhelming. I suddenly felt this immense pressure to take up one of these challenges, but it does not end there.  

Alongside the sudden need to transform our bodies, our wardrobes also must adhere to the latest trends, which are not only damaging to our bank accounts, but also the environment as they encourage unsustainable shopping habits and waste. Last year saw the rise of several short-lived aesthetics including the mob wife, brat summer, and clean girls, and this year is sure to be no different. But what happens when these trends inevitably die out and we are suddenly left with a wardrobe full of supposedly outdated clothes? Charity shops are now finding that they are struggling to obtain good quality donations as more and more people are turning to second hand selling websites such as Vinted for their wardrobe clear outs. The donations that are being received are mainly from fast fashion retailers. 

So how can we reinvent ourselves and achieve that ‘new me’ without breaking the bank or harming the planet? Well, I would like to suggest we change the language we use. You do not need to become a new person every January first, instead focus on productive ways that are going to genuinely better yourself in the long run, not just quick ‘fixes.’ Take the time to thoughtfully invest in yourself. 

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