By Brittany Daggs - Front Desk Manager
There’s nothing wrong with making New Year’s resolutions. In fact, the start of a new calendar year is the perfect time to dedicate yourself to achieving a fresh start.
The problem with most of the resolutions people make is that they are so broad as to render themselves difficult at best and often impossible. Resolutions like “lose weight,” “eat better,” “be healthy,” or “be happier” are hard to accomplish because they are too generic. In short, your goals aren’t clear. Here are some simple things you can do that will help you live a happier, healthier life.
Don’t stress. Your first resolution should be not to stress about your resolutions. While setting goals is an effective way to improve yourself, unachievable expectations can derail your progress or cause you to give up all together. Luckily, a little bit of self-care can go a long way to helping minimize anxiety and stay the course. Start by letting go of the idea of perfection and allowing yourself to make mistakes. When you do something that isn’t in line with your goals, forgive yourself. If you let it go, it will be easier to get back on track. Second, be sure to make time for activities that bring you joy, like reading a book, enjoying a soak in the tub, or catching up with friends. Even in small bursts, your favorite hobbies can reduce your stress levels.
Practice Relaxation for 15 Minutes Every Day. Do you have the time to devote to relaxing your body and mind? Of course you do. Find a relaxation exercise that works for you, whether it be yoga, meditation, guided breathing, or simply closing your eyes and visualizing. Perform this exercise for 15 minutes every day. Harmful excess stress doesn’t dissolve on its own; you need to actively fight it, and this will help.
Say No to Excess Screen Time. Playing video games, watching movies, and browsing the internet on your phone are not inherently bad things. In fact, they are all part of a well-balanced daily routine. However, you can better yourself by reducing screen time and replacing it with other things like reading, crafts, exercise, cooking, and games with the family. This is especially important in the evenings when excess screen time can negatively impact your sleep.
Remember it's never too late to make changes to your daily habits.
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