Every time a new year rolls around, so does the question, "What's your New Year's Resolution?" It can be stressful to have to come up with an impressive answer to this question. However, your resolution does not have to be complicated at all. The simpler it is, the easier it will be to actually stick to. Try out these simple resolutions and see how easy but effective they can be!
1. Prioritize your mental health
Many people today are so caught up in their lives and busy schedules that they do not prioritize their mental health. Putting your mental health on the back burner can weaken your mood, focus, and stress levels. It can also contribute to physical health issues. Taking care of yourself and your mental health can help improve your quality of living and can be done in a variety of ways, such as keeping a gratitude journal or seeing a therapist or counselor if necessary.
2. Exercise on your own terms
One of the most cliche New Year's Resolutions is saying "I'll go to the gym more this year." However, this does not mean having to sign up for a gym membership and cancelling it once February rolls around. Starting with a low-maintenance exercise plan is ideal because everyone has a different and pretty schedule that can interfere with a full workout plan. Then as the simpler workouts become more normal, it is up to you to push yourself and improve as the year progresses.
3. Drink more water
This resolution is incredibly simple and requires very little effort, except actually remembering to drink more water. Set a reminder on your phone if you need to! Drinking more water increases brain function and energy levels, has many benefits for the skin, is essential for digestive system operation, and many more health benefits that everyone could use.
4. Incorporate more natural foods into your diet
This resolution may be a bit trickier than drinking more water. But instead of starting a new diet plan or something more daunting, focusing on incorporating more whole foods can really improve your health.
5. Get on a sleeping schedule
There is no question that the body needs sleep. But having a regular sleeping schedule allows your body to increase productivity, prevents overeating habits, supports your immune system, and many other ways that keep you healthy.
6. Read a book
Many people are guilty of not reading books for pleasure anymore. Of course, we can't all drop everything and crack open a new novel when we have more pressing matters to deal with. But reading a book, even if it is just one additional book for pleasure in the new year, is good for the brain and for entertainment that doesn't have to be found on a screen.
7. Pray more
There is always something and someone in our lives to pray for. It can be just prayers of gratitude and love. Connecting with God and taking time throughout the day, every day, can help you have a more mindful and grateful lifestyle. (And if you are not religious, trying to connect with faith or meditation can be just as helpful.)
8. Stop wasting time on negativity
Many people waste a lot of energy on negativity. Keeping up with and criticizing who is doing what, worrying about who could possibly be doing the same for you, etc. are all wastes of time. Making an active choice to spend your time doing good and thinking positively can be a major life adjustment.
9. Stop dwelling on the past
It's a new year! Put your best foot forward and stop getting hung up on the past. The past is full of events and memories that we cannot control and we cannot go back and change, so live in the present and focus on the future. Every day is a new day and it is up to you what you make of it, and you can only truly engage in what is coming next if you let the past go.
10. Take time to be creative
Draw! Paint! Bake! Garden! Invest your spare time in something where you get to create something out of your own imagination and have something to be proud of.
11. Start a new hobby
You're never too old to try new things. Even if it isn't for you after a little while, you still put yourself out there! And who knows, maybe you can fall in love with a hobby that you never thought would be for you. This is also a great way to make new friends and have some more social time too.
12. Reconnect with an old friend
We all have a handful of friends that we are on good terms with, but life has taken us on different paths so we talk less and less. Be the first one to reach out and give that person a call! Go grab coffee and catch up. Talking to an old friend after a long time feels like coming home, and it's a great way to start off the new year.
13. Make time to do good deeds
Do a random act of kindness! Pay for someone else's drink in Starbucks and start a chain of people paying it forward. Donate to charity. Hold the door for someone. Help someone who is struggling with something at work or school not because you have to, but out of the kindness of your heart. What goes around comes around, and taking the time to do good deeds for others will bring goodness back into your life as well.
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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