Well somehow, we made it. It's 2018 and with the turn of the new year, of course, comes new years resolutions. You could say this is finally the year that you drop those 10 pounds, or that you swear your gonna quit biting your nails, but 365 days ago you told yourself the same thing, and look where you are now... This isn't to say that you're never gonna achieve your goals. because, if you put in the effort, you can and will. Achieving your bigger goals is only possible if you start small.
Stick to these ten attainable New Year's Resolutions to make 2018 your year.
1. Drink More Water
So 2018 you want to go on a health kick? Start with upping your water intake. Water keeps your skin clear, it makes you feel good, and it makes your body look good... need I go on? Carrying around a cute water bottle and deciding to drink and refill it a certain amount of times each day is sure to better you in the new year.
2. Keep a Journal
Journaling is always a good idea. Whether it's to write down ideas, make to-do lists, or self-reflect, keeping a journal will better your mental and emotional health. If writing in a daily journal sounds daunting, you could try writing once a week to reflect or writing one thing you're grateful for each day.
3. Better Hair Care
No this isn't gonna sound like an Instagram ad for some blue gummy bears that are supposed to help you grow "longer stronger hair." But seriously, get a haircut, stop using heat without a protectant, and cut down on the harsh products. Taking care of your hair will give you that boost of confidence you need (if surviving 2017 doesn't make you proud enough... yes we all deserve a pat on the back for that one).
4. Practice Forgiveness
Life is short. We all know that deep down, but sometimes we let it slip our minds. People mess up. Learning to forgive (but not forcing yourself to forget) is so important. Life is too short to live with anger in your heart, so whether you decide to forget how someone hurt you or not, in 2018 learn to forgive them for their mistakes so that you yourself can move on.
5. Learn Something New
Whether it's taking up a new hobby, learning a new language, or stepping out of your comfort zone, let the new year be an opportunity for change. You might try something you've always expected to hate, and you might surprise yourself!
6. Meditate
In the past few years, the benefits of mindfulness have become a focus of society. Of course, the longer you spend meditating each day the better, but even taking a minute each morning or night to focus on your breathing or think about what makes you happy, will better you in the new year.
7. Stick to a REALISTIC workout schedule
Okay, I won't avoid it any longer, most new years resolutions have to do with getting in shape or losing weight. If that's yours... do it! If, however, you haven't exercised since last January when you tried going to the gym for a week, then don't tell yourself that this year you are going to go every single day. Maybe start by upping how many steps you take each day, start taking the stairs at work, or go to the gym twice a week. Eventually, exercise will feel more like a habit than a chore, and even small changes will make a difference in your health.
8. Cut out Late Night Snacking
Again, if eating healthy is your goal, this is a good place to start. Set a time that you will stop eating each day, or decide that after you eat dinner you will stick to water till you go to sleep. When you eat late at night, you aren't doing much (if any) physical activity until the next day, so any unhealthy foods you're eating at night will If you're a late-night-snacker like I am, breaking this habit will make you look and feel better.
9. Spend more Family Time
This is a simple one, yet many of us neglect it. If you can't be with them, call them! If you can be with them, have family dinner once a week! At the end of the day, your family's cared about you above all else, and they deserve the same back. Spend time with them, because nothing matters more.
10. Be Kind
Another resolution that should be easy enough, but is sometimes forgotten. You don't know everyone's story; be kind to others. You yourself have gone through a lot and have overcome it all; be kind to yourself.
Spread love and happiness in 2018, because we could all use it.