Every year, we set New Year’s resolutions that usually consist of drinking more water, eating healthier and planning to exercise more. While they are set with good intentions, they typically fall off the radar by the time spring rolls around.
This year, challenge yourself to set realistic resolutions centered on your well-being.
Reserve 30 Minutes for You
As a society, we rush from the moment we wake up to the time we get home, and in return, we overlook the things we can do to better ourselves and our minds. Resolve to take 30 minutes each day to do something that you find relaxing and meaningful. Whether that means reading a couple chapters of a new book, drinking a cup of coffee without distractions, watching a guilty pleasure TV show or taking a walk around your neighborhood, be intentional with choosing an activity that will boost your energy and productivity.
Start a Gratitude Jar
At the end of every day, write something you are grateful for down on a piece of paper, whether it be something that specifically happened during your day or something that you surround yourself with, then put fold it up and place it in a designated jar. On New Year’s Eve, open up your jar and take time to reflect on everything that made your year brighter.
Write Letters to Loved Ones
There’s nothing worse than coming home from work to a mailbox full of bills, but finding a letter from a loved one can brighten anyone’s day. Offering a small act of surprise and love through simply mailing a letter shows someone how much you love them and that you are thinking of them. Not only will it help you spend time in your day spreading admiration and positivity, it will help bring light into your loved ones’ lives too.
Unplug Before Bed
The last thing we see before we go to bed should be our loved ones, not our screens. Make it a ritual to turn off your TV and phone at least 30 minutes before you lay your head down on your pillow. Instead, read a book, have a final conversation with a friend or loved one, or just drink some tea while writing in a journal. Countless studies prove that not only will you rest better but waking up in the morning will also be easier with a sounder sleep cycle.
Practice A Self Care Routine
Whether it’s once a week or every day, take time out of your night to tend to yourself in the form of skin care. Light a candle, grab a new facial scrub and try a new face mask. Don’t rush through the process – just relax and soak in the time that you have for you.
Alternatives to the Traditional New Year’s Resolutions
By Lyndsay Fogarty
Not into resolutions at all? Below are some more modern ways to encourage yourself to have a successful and productive year.
Choose a Word of the Year: In 2020, I chose the word “connect” for both my personal and professional goals. Though I considered changing it after a few months, it turns out that this word was particularly relevant during a hectic year. After all, we were each looking for ways to stay personally connected in a world where we had to keep our distance. Right now, think of a word that best describes what you want out of 2021 then live it through the year.
Create a Vision Board: Find images and words in your favorite magazines that illustrate your goals for 2021. For this, think big, such as purchasing an investment property or starting a passion project. Then glue what you’ve found to a poster board. Once you’re done, keep it in a place where you can see it every day to remind yourself of what you’re working toward.
Write Out a Bucket List: This idea is similar to your vision board but should instead focus on experiences. Where would you like to safely travel in 2021? Do you have a new restaurant or a new, unique food item you’ve been meaning to try? Get it all down on paper and keep it in a place where you can revisit your list often.