It is the start of the new year and there are so many possibilities on how it could go. A lot of people have made resolutions and have high hopes. Are you trying to lose 10 pounds, hoping to meet the love of your life, working to make a healthier lifestyle, or trying to be happier? There's a lot that you can accomplish in 366 days and here are some tips to help you on your way to a happier healthier 2016.
For Technology
Keep your Storage
Everyone has seen the terrible "Storage Almost Full" notification or ran out of space while taking pictures. Luckily there are a few ways to clear up some space on your phone. First, download an app such as dropbox or badongo to store all of your photos, then you can delete all but the ones that are absolutely necessary. Then you can clean up your messages and the multiple apps you probably only use every six months. Also check to make sure your old devices aren't taking up your iCloud storage.
Keep your Addiction in Check
Many people have noticed that our addiction to technology can leave us missing out on important things in our lives. In fact, this video posted by Ashraf Chaudhry to Facebook in November 12, 2015 shows exactly how much we can miss. Maybe 2016 is the year where you decided to put down your phone more and try something new. Well luckily there is, you guessed it, an app for that. For iPhones, the app Moment tracks exactly how much you use your phone and you can even set limits on how long you want to use it everyday. There is a similar app, BreakFree, for androids. So go out there and live your best life.
Keep your Data
First of all, if you have an iPhone and you haven't turned off wifi assist, you need to go into settings, then into cellular, and turn that off right now. I have yet to see anyone say that it is beneficial and I honestly believe that it's only purpose is to drain a person's data. Then there is the general data clean up, if you go into cellular in settings you will find a list of apps that are allowed to use data all the time. Personally, I am almost always on a wifi network so I just turn off everything but the essentials to be able to take my data. I haven't had a problem since.
For Lifestyle
Staying Hydrated
Water is great. It has shown to aid in weight loss, healthier skin, and headache prevention. However, it can be hard to make sure that you are drinking the right amount so, like most things, there are some apps that can help you out. Waterlogged is your basic water-tracking app where you simply put in how much you drank. One benefit is that you can use a picture of your glass as an option and if you only drink a portion, it can figure out the math.
TapIt Water is very similar but has the added feature of finding places where you can fill up your water bottle for free which can be pretty helpful when your trying to stay on track. If these two first options seem too boring, you can always try Plant Nanny. This app uses the water that you drink to keep a virtual plant alive. It also judges how much water you should be drinking by weight and activity level so that you don't over drink.
Staying Motivated
Whether you are trying to stay motivated for a workout, a job, or just eating healthier, it can be hard to keep that motivation going. Some ways that you can try to stay on track are; keeping a journal, breaking down your goals into smaller goals, and writing down a list of reasons why you want to achieve this goal for yourself. These methods are especially effective if you write them down using a pen or pencil with paper as opposed to a computer or tablet. The list is of reasons why is especially important because it means that you really want this change to take place.
Staying Organized
Organization is tricky. You might clean your room and it be totally spotless but fifteen minutes and 45 different outfits later you can't even see the floor. One of the best ways to try and stay organized is by sectioning things off. Even the messiest of people know that everything has its place, even if that means the tape dispenser is always in the pile by the hairbrush because the handle pops off. So try taking that thinking to the next level. Take the time to sort out all of your stuff the best way that makes sense for you and make some more space and less clutter by donating clothes that you haven't worn in the last year or two. If you have a lot of tasks to complete try to take on three projects a day instead of listing out all the things you need to get done this month. If you can get three things done every day, you'll be done in no time.
For Relationships
Leave Toxic Relationships in 2015
There are billions of people in the world and there is no need to be friends with people who don't treat you the way that you should be treated. A big part of your happiness is influenced by the people around you and if you surround yourself with disrespectful and unsupportive people then you aren't going to be as happy as you could be. Whether it be addressing the problem and finding a compromise or letting go of some people, by finding people that bring out the best in you, your 2016 will be a million times better.
Forgive and Forget
That being said, you can't hold grudges against people, it isn't worth it. There's a high chance that they don't even know that you are upset and you are only angering yourself. So in 2016 just let it go. It won't be easy but you will feel so much better when you don't hold onto all of the reasons that person is the absolute worst.
Talk More
So many problems in relationships can be solved by just talking about it. That goes for family, friends, coworkers, and romantic partners. Sometimes we just assume the other person is going to pick up on what we are thinking or feeling when they have absolutely no idea and then fights start because both sides end up angry and hurt. If you can take the extra minute explaining how you feel then they can better understand what's going on in your head.
I hope these tips can help you have a fantastic year and help you to accomplish whatever goals you have set for yourself. Happy New Year! And may the force be with you.
