We all come up with New Year’s resolutions like, lose weight, go to the gym, quit biting my nails, eat healthier, etc. We push ourselves to make drastic lifestyle changes each year, and we set ourselves up for failure. Over 80% of people report not living up to the aspirations made on this day. Why not instead, make a resolution within reach? Below are some common New Year, New You goals, only these are ones that you can actually keep.
- Drink More Water
Be healthier is one of the top resolutions made each year. It can be simple though. You want to lose weight? To be healthier? DRINK WATER! There are so many health benefits to drinking more water, and it can help you to keep some of your resolutions. Just a few examples, it helps promote a healthy metabolism (i.e promotes weight loss), helps with blood pressure, boost skin health, lubricates your joints, promotes a healthy digestion, and so much more. By simply giving yourself a glass over a soda or sweet tea can help your health and be a resolution that is easier to keep than going to the gym daily.
2. Exercise
This is the second most common to make the list. But how can we meet this in 2020 when we couldn’t in 2019? You don’t have to be completely like this guy, but he’s got one thing right: he’s happy. Find out what you like first. Exercise is more successful when you enjoy what you are doing. While not everyone wants to hit the treadmill, taking a 30 minute walk on your lunch can increase your health as well. Getting a pedometer and watching your steps each day, taking small steps to meet that 10K daily goal can help. If you don’t like to walk/jog, try weights. Do it at home while binge-watching Hulu. Another helpful idea, find a friend a take a class together. You’re twice as likely to stick to it. Being healthier doesn’t have to be hard or dramatic. Just take your time and you’ll get there.
3. Start Saving
Let’s set ourselves up for success here, everyone wants to try and spend less, save more. But if we set this goal smarter, than we can succeed. By making smarter moves with your money like eating at home one night or setting up an auto-transfer, you can set aside a small more obtainable goal. Rather than say you want to save $1,000 this year, break it apart. Start by saving $42 each paycheck into an account. At the end of the year, you’ll have your goal met. Set a realistic financial goal and you’ll be on your way to success.
4. Kick a Bad Habit
Admit it, we all have them. Smoking, nail biting, drinking, over-indulging on anything be it food or Facebook. The best way to start, as with everything else on this list, is one step at a time. Psychologist often recommend a distraction as a means to break a habit. Example: get a fidget or anxiety toy for nail biting. When you feel the urge, take your key ring and redirect your energy to something not harmful. This can be applied to multiple habits. Distracting yourself and putting your energy into something productive can give you a leg up. Don’ t be hard on yourself for slip ups, and take it a day at a time.
5. Self Care
American’s have made this their newest resolution. We all want to encourage self care, but what does this really mean and how can we do it? Simply take a minute, a day or an hour and do something for yourself. Whether it’s taking a vacation, going to a spa, reading a book or spending the day with friends, can can achieve more when you take care of yourself. While each person has their own cups of tea or coffee, as long as you remember to take time for yourself and improve the new you, you’ll be on your way.
Everything can be done with one step at a time. You can make the new year better for yourself whether you start now, or in a month. The important thing is to take the time and START. We all have to start somewhere, and by taking the time to improve and having the drive, you’re already half way there.
Do you have any resolutions you want to share? Did you keep yours from 2019 or remember what it even was? Comment down below and tell us how you want to make 2020 your year.