2020 was the start of the new decade, and it sure did change life as we know it. Wearing masks and being socially distant became the new normal. This new year is also going to be a lot different. We may be trading in the annual New Years’ Eve parties for a bit more time on the couch. And your resolutions may be different now too.
New Years are a chance to decide on what self-improvements or goals you want to focus on after the ball drops. Regardless of whether you are more focused on your health or spending more quality time with your family members that you have been separated from, fill your resolution’s list with goals to make you feel psyched about bringing in the year. It may make the year better than the previous one.
Here are some of the best New Year Resolutions to think about adding to your list:
Move More, Sit Less
Between being stuck to a desk and sitting at home during the pandemic, we can all agree we spent way more time sitting in one place they we might have liked. Sitting around and not being active is not healthy, especially if you have been working from home. Making a goal to take more walks or riding your bike in the evening is a great way to get you up and moving.
And if you easily get bored by walks, try some yoga or HIIT workouts to change it up.
Calling Family/Friends
Be proactive and make the first move in calling your family and friends.
“Phone calls force you to contend with the messy reality of living in a world where other people might need your attention without warning you through a calendar invite two weeks in advance.”
Amanda Mull, The Atlantic
Phones calls are much more personal than a text. The people around you would really like hearing from you. Waiting for them to call you can take a toll on communication. Yes, with all our busy schedules it can be hard, but you do not want to lose precious people like family and friends. If they can take the time out of their day to call you, so can you. Even a five minute call can make someone’s day.
Volunteer More Often
Resolutions usually fall under self-improvement and goals to try and enrich your life. It is great to try to do more charity work and lend a helping hand to the people who need it. New Years resolutions don’t always have to bring you materialistic happiness. Doing goof for others can feel just as rewarding, maybe more.
Types of charity work you can do:
- Help out at animal shelters
- Volunteer at food pantries
- Donate food
- Donate clothes
- Volunteer at retirement centers or old-age homes
Be Consistent with Meal Times
When it comes to weight loss resolutions many of them focus on working out and diets, but they should be more focused on regular eating patterns.
Irregular eating frequency can have negative consequences like messing with metabolism and sending off confusing signals to the body. Staying consistent helps with the digestion system.
Drink More Water
Staying hydrated is extremely important. Everyone can use more water in their lives.
Try getting a cute water bottle or a bottle that keeps track of your water and tells you the times to drink throughout the day.
Show Gratitude
Expressing more gratitude is a great start. Simply giving thanks can have any benefits. Gratitude also has shown to improve your emotional and physical health next year.
Start a gratitude journal. Spend a few minutes each day writing down the things you are thankful for.
Cook More
Cooking more = Eating out less
With staying inside, we were faced with the challenge of cooking more of our own meals. We should stick to it in the new year.
Perfecting one recipe a week allows us to make one meal we love every week and perfecting it. Choose a meal you love whether it’s for French Toast or Baked Ziti. It gives you a new challenge and you’ll have something to look forward to.
Try Something New
We have learned recently that life is way too short to not do the things you want. Ask yourself this new year: What’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never have?
Now is the time to try something new and fun once a month. That way you have something to look forward to.
Take Time to Self-Evaluate
You should make this resolution a priority. Do something for yourself once in a while. Make sure you are taking mental breaks and taking proper care of yourself.
Make all your doctor’s appointments for the year and even consider seeing a therapist. Checking on your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Ditch a Bad Habit
Whether it’s nail-biting, smoking, not-flossing, etc.
Consider cutting it out of your daily routine. Just pick one to start.
Nobody is perfect so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get rid of the habit right away. Just try to stay as consistent as possible, you can surely meet your goal.
Take a Break from Social Media
Social media chews up so much time and can take such a toll on mental health. Taking a break will be good for you.
“Many of my friends have deleted Facebook and Instagram off of their phone and therefore can only check their social media on their computer when they are at home. This allows them to live in the moment when they are out and about instead of constantly feeling the urge to check their phones and disengage in the present.”
Kristen Fuller, M.D., Psychology Today
Deciding how long is up to you but taking a 24-hour break once a month could do you some good. Start with 6 hours and continuing to extend the time will help you prepare for a much lengthier break.
Take Time to Appreciate Your Accomplishments
Be your own cheerleader
It’s been a hard year. So, learn how to appreciate the little things you learn to do. Be sure that every project or goal you meet you celebrate. Even celebrating the little things can go a long way to raise your self-esteem. Everyone can use a little bit of praise.
Develop a Skincare Routine.
Make this the year you get serious about your skincare.
Figuring out when your next break-out is going to happen can get irritating. Make sure to check out How to Find the Right Skincare Routine to get started on your skincare journey.
Create a Bedtime
Good sleep hygiene is important because of how crucial getting good sleep is for your mental and physical health as well as improving quality of life.
Try to go to sleep and wake-up everyday at the same time. Try to pick a bedtime that results in you getting 7 or 8 hours every night.
Many of your day activities have an effect on your sleep so pay attention to your routine and the food, and drink you ingest.
Clean Out Your Inbox
Start the year with a clutter-free email.
Instead of just going through and deleting the emails you never read, actually unsubscribe from them. Then they won’t continue or have the chance to clog up your inbox again.
Most resolutions fail due to how unspecific they are. Try to make a to-do list that categorizes the tasks you have to do to meet the goal of your resolutions.
For example, instead of “I’ll drink more water”, try to make the goal how many ounces of water you want to drink every day.
Resolutions are more effective than you may assume. Just take it one day at time. The new year is a chance to have 365 opportunities to have a better year.
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