New Year's... the time we all wait around for so that we can make lists of things that we plan on doing. New Year, new me, usually ends when we forget to stick to our plan after the second day and fall into the mindset of, maybe next year.
This happens because we set unrealistic expectations of what we can accomplish and get discouraged when reality starts to show. Here are 12 things you can put on your list, this year, that you won't want to let slip through the cracks until next year.
1. Put your phone away one hour before bedtime.
Using your phone before you go to sleep prevents the brain from releasing melatonin because the bright lights tell our body that it isn't night time yet, making it harder for us to fall asleep once we put it down. So, not only will you fall asleep faster, but you will sleep better not looking through all of the drama that fills social media right before bed.
2. Vow to not let yourself go to bed angry.
Going to bed angry also hurts our sleep, which will make you much more irritable in the morning, leading to a never-ending cycle of crabby days.
3. Keep a journal.
Promise yourself to write in it at least once a week. Getting your thoughts on paper can help you sort out any problems you're having and can help you remember the good times later on.
4. Stop committing to things you can't do.
You aren't superwoman, which means that you can't do everything. Start this year with only biting off as much as you can chew.
5. Actually write in that planner you spent your good money on.
Organization will keep you sane, it's really that simple.
6. Point out at least one thing you love about yourself daily.
Wake up, look in the mirror and fill your mind with positive thoughts about your physical appearance and your soul -- because it's all beautiful.
7. Make coffee at home.
It's OK to treat yourself, but when it comes to your daily routine it's better to just make your own. It gets the job done, and your bank account will thank you.
8. Make meals at home as much as you can.
By this I mean don't just order out because it is just so hard to boil a box of noodles yourself. This kind of goes with #7, above -- after a few months, or a year, your bank account will be kissing the ground you walk on.
9. Quit an old (bad) habit.
Old habits die hard, but they need to do just that -- die.
10. Eliminate negative people from your life.
Because what's the point in spending your time with people who only bring you down?
11. Exercise.
This is not your typical resolution where you say you are going to lose 15 pounds, but whether it be a daily walk, a few squats while you brush your teeth, or that workout plan you've been eyeing up on Pinterest -- stick to it, but be realistic.
12. Keep all of your spare change in a jar.
And at the end of 2016, cash that baby in and spoil yourself a little -- but only if you followed through with all of your resolutions!
