Everyone always tries to practically become a new person as soon as the new year starts, but basically everyone fails. There is something almost addictive and energizing that comes with the idea of a fresh start. Instead of setting yourself up for failure, create mini monthly resolutions. Adopt one new healthy or positive new habits and let them build into sustainable change in your life.
January: Spend time each day learning something new
You know you want to learn a new language or start practicing yoga. Start with 10-15 minutes each day during January. By the end of the month you will have a solid foundation to continue your education or discipline.
February: Get enough sleep
Each day throughout February make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep. Turn off the tv, put the phone out of reach and really treat yourself to some extra z's. It will definitely make you feel better so you can stay awake in class or in the office.
March: Practice listening
In our society, it is so easy to multitask when you're hanging out with friends. Your ears are listening and your fingers are scrolling through your phone; however, you brain is trying to do both and usually the phone directly in front of your face wins the attention. Try to be present when you are with people that care about you.
April: Step out of your comfort zone
It's easy to stay in your comfort zone, doing the same things every day. Step up in April and take a leap into something that takes a little courage. You'll be surprised how easy it was after you try it once or twice.
May: Start your savings fund
You don't have to have something you are saving for but it's always good to have an emergency fund. Start by putting $20 out of each paycheck into a savings account. If $20 seems like too low or too high, adjust it. It may not seem worth it at first, but wait a year and see how much you can save. Mind. Blowing.
June: Drink more water
With the weather getting hotter, there's an even better chance that you are more dehydrated than before. Start by drinking one extra glass of water a day. Also keeping a bottle with you will encourage this healthy habit.
July: Start reading more
Everyone has a long list of books they want to read eventually or a bookshelf of unread books. Start reading twenty or thirty minutes before bed. You'll be finishing your first book within no time.
August: Add more veggies to your diet
Add some spinach to your omelet or smoothie. Have a small salad with your lunch. Steam some veggies as your side dish instead of pasta or rice.
September: Make your bed
Start off the day by successfully completing one task. Making your bed will take you thirty seconds but when you get home at night it will be so much more satisfying to climb in bed.
October: Eat less sweets
With Halloween at the end of the month, now is the time to start breaking the habit of consuming all of those sweets. You don't have to completely cut them out but it's definitely better for your health if you decrease your consumption.
November: Write down something you're thankful for each day
'Tis the season of showing what you're thankful for. Start doing this each day! Create a note in your phone or start a journal. It will be nice to look back in a month or two about all of the things that made you happy on a certain day. Even if you had a shitty day, you should still be able to find something that stood out and made you happy.
December: Cut the toxic people or activities out of your life
We all know those things or people that influence you in a negative way. Cut out one person that is always complaining. Stick to going out to party or go to the bar to a couple nights a week. It'll be better in the long run.
