It happens once a year. Everyone wakes up, January 1, usually hungover, and spends the rest of their day off writing down their resolutions, joining cheap gyms, buying cute workout clothes, scheduling hair cut appointments (because: new year, new you). Everyone's motivated, determined, and ready to become a new person.
Fast forward a few weeks. The hype has worn off, the gym isn't as fun as it was before, the hair cut looks heinous, and you're back to binge watching Netflix, eating crappy food, and feeling the same way about yourself you did a month ago.
Every single year. People leap without knowing where they are landing. For me, 2016 is going to be a year of change. Graduation, new job, moving home, etc. So as much as I would love to set these, high, unteachable resolutions like the rest of the naive population, this year, here are 6 simple changes that can easily last the entire year.
1. Go for more walks.
Sitting at a desk for eight hours is grueling. Going to school full time and working takes up most of your time. Take a few minutes, each day you can, and walk. Around the office, down the street, up and down the stairs, wherever you can. You're not going to be the next person to drop 50 pounds in a year, but walking 10,000 steps a day can lead overall improved health and if you're eating right, about a pound off a week. Stop taking elevators, start parking farther away from stores. The smallest changes can go a long way.
2. Stop comparing yourself to others.
In today's society, this is the biggest problem in young adults and youth. We are constantly so engrossed in social media, and we see Snapchats and Instagrams and Tweets making some people's lives look amazing. It's just one side of the picture. No one can measure up to just the highlights of someone's life, so spend a little less time on your phone checking social media, and a little more time with family and friends.
3. THINK about what you're eating.
I'm not asking you to give up fast food, or stop eating carbs, or go on a fad diet but educate yourself on what you are putting in your body. Craving McDonalds? I promise the first article you read about what goes into their food will make that go away. Know what you are consuming. Even if you know how terrible it is for you, and what it does to your body, you know. And chances are, something is going to change.
4. Take time for yourself.
We are constantly surrounded by technology and other people. Classes can take place online, office work almost exclusively is conducted through a computer screen. Even when we have time alone, it's usually spent on a computer or watching TV or checking through our phones. Set aside five or ten minutes each day for yourself. Sit in silence, read a book, listen to music, but don't look at your phone or laptop or TV. It's amazing how much longer five minutes alone seems than five minutes on Facebook. Your mind will wander, and perhaps you'll learn something about yourself you didn't make time for before.
5. Do what makes you happy.
When you're on your New Years High, make a list of everyone, and everything that makes you happy or you enjoy doing. Things you love to do, or people you enjoy being around. It can be anything from visiting your favorite park, calling your grandma, painting, writing poetry, watching a good movie, or working out. Keep that list, and try to do one thing each week, or if you're really adventurous, each day. It's amazing how much happier you will be overall spending time doing what you love.
6. Start saving.
I don't know about you, but my paychecks never seem to last long. Sure, I have tons of expenses, but I could easily skip a trip to Skyline or Chipotle each week and save $10. Start small. Even if it's just collecting change, in a few months, you can easily have $40 to $50 to go towards a trip you're taking, or new shoes you want. Start a savings account you can't touch. Deposit the same amount every time you get paid, and suddenly you won't realize you're missing money on each paycheck. Save $50 to $100 a month, you can have between $600 to $1,200 saved in a year, without even knowing it.
So, there you have it. Six small changes that can really add up. Try it for a week, or a month. Chances are, you'll be inspired and able to reach for those big goals you set yourself with the New Year.
"The journey of a thousands miles begins with a single step" - Lao-tzu
